To counteract the ongoing labor shortage in the tourism sector, the Austrian government has decided to significantly increase the number of seasonal workers from non-EU countries, from around 5,000 to 8,000. The measure was approved in the Council of Ministers on Wednesday. The largest share of the additional quota—2,500 spots—is reserved for workers from the Western Balkans. Additionally, a new fund will support the recruitment and retention of local workers.

Specifically, the existing quota for third-country seasonal workers will rise from about 5,000 to 5,500 annually. These quotas can still be temporarily exceeded by up to 50 percent during peak seasons, but annual averages must stay within limits. A separate new quota of 2,500 workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia is being created. Notably, Albania, also a candidate for EU membership, is not included.

Zehetner: Tourism Is a “Growth Engine”

Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner (ÖVP) described the sector as “a growth engine, especially in economically challenging times.” To realize its potential, tourism needs enough skilled labor. NEOS State Secretary Josef Schellhorn called the step “significant,” also given current unemployment figures. The regulation is expected to take effect in September, allowing businesses to plan ahead for the winter season.

State Secretary Michaela Schmidt (SPÖ) emphasized that this is a temporary solution, set to be reviewed in early 2027. The long-term goal is to increase domestic participation in tourism jobs. This will be supported by a newly established Tourism Employment Fund aimed at attracting and retaining workers from Austria and other EU/EEA countries.

6.5 Million Euros for Tourism Employment Fund

Starting in 2025, the fund will receive 6.5 million euros annually. It will support training programs and offer assistance in cases of workplace accidents or unemployment. The fund will be administered by the Ministry of Labor, which will define the eligibility criteria. Schmidt noted the importance of improving working conditions in the sector: “Tourism can only thrive if the workers in tourism are also doing well.”

While the Austrian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the higher quotas, pointing to 12,500 unfilled tourism jobs, the labor union was critical. Roman Hebenstreit, chair of vida, said that without real improvements in working conditions, the sector remains “a bottomless pit filled with cheap, vulnerable labor.” He called the fund a partial success. The FPÖ dismissed it entirely as a “token gesture” and warned the quota increase would not solve the skills shortage but instead lead to further wage dumping.