Top Tourism Promotion Federal/State

The Top Tourism Funding Federal/State is a grant initiative jointly offered by the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank (ÖHT) and the State of Vorarlberg to strengthen the competitiveness of young gastronomy and accommodation businesses as well as to support restructuring processes of existing enterprises. Eligible to apply are small and medium-sized enterprises from the Tourism and Leisure Industry division of the Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce with a business location in the federal state. The funding supports investment projects aimed at modernization, quality improvement, and market-oriented adaptation for new openings, expansions, or conversions and extensions in tourist businesses. Both young entrepreneurs and businesses undergoing economic adjustment phases can benefit from co-financing based on a valid ÖHT funding approval.

Prerequisites for approval are membership in the Tourism and Leisure Industry division, a business location in Vorarlberg, and timely submission before the project start date to the ÖHT. The federal government covers 7.5% of eligible investment costs between €50,000 and €500,000, co-financed by the State of Vorarlberg. Eligible expenses include modernization, conversions and new constructions, as well as measures for quality assurance and barrier-free design. Acquisition costs for land, buildings, vehicles, used investment goods, or operating resources are not eligible. After successful review by the ÖHT, payment is made based on an invoice summary and confirmation of federal funding. The funding period is unlimited (valid since 01.04.2013), and applications can be submitted continuously.