How has Austrian gastronomy changed since the coronavirus? 🇦🇹

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives, and gastronomy in Austria is no exception. Faced with lockdowns and changes in operating rules, restaurants and cafes have adapted to the new reality. 📊 Just imagine: according to expert Dieter Scharitzer, “brutal changes” are expected in the catering market! How are the pandemic-related ovations transforming the Austrian gastronomic scene? Let's take a closer look. 🔍

The Impact of COVID-19 on Austrian Gastronomy

Business support and new measures 💼

Since the start of the pandemic, the Austrian government has introduced a number of economic measures to support gastronomy. One of them is the "Wirtshaus-Packet" support package, which includes:

✅ Reduction of tax on non-alcoholic beverages from 20% to 10%.
✅ Simplifying accounting for small businesses.
✅ Increased subsidies for rural cafes.
✅ Increasing the tax allowance for employee lunches from €4.40 to €8 per day.

These measures are aimed at stimulating consumption and helping the industry affected by the closure. 📈 More detailed information on business support can be found Here

Changes in consumer habits 🛍️

Since the pandemic, many restaurants have seen changes in consumer habits. People have become more price-sensitive and have started to prefer reservations, minimizing waiting and queues.

Sharitzer emphasizes that it is important for small businesses to be creative and come up with unique solutions. For example, selling wine to go has become popular among customers, allowing businesses not only to survive but also to attract new customers. 🍷

Adaptation to new conditions 🌐

Austrian restaurants continue to adapt to the new conditions related to COVID-19. For example, the introduction of 2G rules (access only for vaccinated and recovered people) has significantly changed the approach to customer service. Moreover, the use of online booking platforms is becoming increasingly widespread, which also affects customer behavior and restaurant revenues. 💻

Prospects for the development of gastronomy in Austria 🌱

Difficulties and challenges

While many business owners are optimistic, 75% of them are reporting a decline in bookings and revenue compared to the previous year. Key challenges include increased price sensitivity of customers and difficulties in passing on increased costs to guests. 📉

Sustainable development as a priority

As the industry changes, sustainability is becoming a priority. The government should continue to provide support by reducing tax obligations and bureaucratic barriers. 📜

Conclusion and findings

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Austria's gastronomy has undergone significant changes. New support measures have been introduced, consumer habits have changed, and sustainability has become more important. All of these factors are shaping a new face for gastronomy in the country.

What else do you think could change the gastronomy market in Austria in the coming years? 🤔

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Find out how the coronavirus has changed Austrian gastronomy: new support measures, consumer habits and development prospects.