Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft, Energie und Tourismus, Sektion VI - Tourismus

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMWET) is the supreme federal authority of the Republic of Austria responsible for economic policy, the energy transition, and tourism development. Within the ministry, Section VI – Tourism is responsible for the strategic planning and management of national tourism. It develops policy guidelines, manages funding programs such as the "Plan T" master plan, coordinates national tourism statistics, and represents Austria in international bodies. The section works closely with the Austrian National Tourist Office, the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank, and regional partners to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation capacity of the tourism sector.

Section VI – Tourism at the BMWET aims to position Austria as one of the most sustainable, innovative, and economically strongest tourism destinations worldwide. Through targeted funding measures, detailed monitoring instruments, and strategic initiatives, it supports companies in the leisure and tourism industry, promotes ecological responsibility, and ensures long-term value creation for regions and the population.

The primary recipients and target groups of funding are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism and leisure industry, private and public operators of tourism infrastructure, regional tourism associations, professionals and employees in the sector, as well as scientific institutions and research facilities in the field of tourism. Tourism policy also targets decision-makers at the state and municipal levels to ensure balanced development processes and participation of the local population.