Austria has one of the highest inflation rates in the euro zone (7.8% for the whole of 2023), despite this, balls continue to be profitable with an expected turnover this season of 180 million euros. This shows that this tradition is anchored in the hearts of the Viennese.
1 min
with our correspondent in Vienna, Isaure Hiace
Some 3,000 people flock to the Hofburg Palace for the Confectioners’ Ball. Excellent attendance despite inflation.
For Elisabeth, this is a great first. “ For me, it’s an experience that allows you to discover the ball culture in Vienna and all this splendor. But it’s still an elitist activity! Given the prices, it is clear that not everyone can afford it, or you have to save up for it. »
More and more tourists also want to try the experience. The price of the ticket, from 65 to 140 euros, did not slow down Charlotte, a young Swiss woman, who came to live an experience that was out of the ordinary. “ I didn’t really know what to expect: I was just told, ‘dress really well, learn to dance a little and everything will be fine… but it’s going well and we’re really getting away from everyday life! »
The Vienna Chamber of Commerce expects 550,000 visitors this ball season, a figure which has been increasing in recent years, says Markus Grießler, head of the tourism branch. “ We notice that the number of visitors is increasing among tourists but also Austrians. If we add up all the expenses linked to a ball and divide by the number of visitors, we arrive at an average of 320 euros of expenditure per person. Balls are therefore a very important element of the Viennese economy.»
Every winter, 450 balls take place in the Austrian capital.