Austria – celebrating sports

Austria is home to sports: More than 42% of all Austrians are members of sports clubs, and about 80% of the population regularly engages in sports – impressive by international comparison, but that is only the active side.

Austrians also love watching sports – an analysis of TV viewing times of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens showed that only the Japanese spent more time watching the Games than did the Austrians. So much for the passive side.

In between, there is the large and still growing number of fans attending live sporting events. The Hahnenkamm ski races in Kitzbuehel draw 50,000 spectators to the finish area to cheer on athletes from all over the world, and the same is true for the Schladming night slalom.

In addition, the two legs of the International Four Hills Tournament held in Innsbruck and Bischofshofen are among the biggest ski jumping events of the year, and the 2005 Ice Hockey World Championship is already completely sold out.

But it is not only winter sports that Austrians embrace; be it the International Vienna City Marathon with its 250,000 fans along the streets, sold-out ATP tennis tournaments in Vienna and Kitzbuehel, the Klagenfurt Beach Volleyball Grand Slam, which has already achieved cult status, or the 2006 UCI Cycling World Championship to be held in Salzburg, Austrians will arrive in droves to attend.

Wherever sports are found, you will find Austrians enjoying the fascination of watching live events, thus boosting the significance of professional and amateur sports alike. And another thing: Sports matters fall directly under the responsibility of Austria's Chancellor, which again underscores the importance Austria places on sports.

Sports are also important for Austria as one of the world's leading tourist destinations – people from all over the world come here because they can – among other things – expect sound and sophisticated instruction by renowned experts ranging from our legendary skiing instructors to fitness coaches, state-of-the-art ski lift technology, and professional and extensive infrastructure for all possible types of sports.

Sports and Austria are inseparable – Austria lives sports, breathes sports, and celebrates sports!