The return of the stars: Austria’s culinary comeback with Michelin

In 2009, the critics of Austria’s leading gourmet guides withdrew, but now they are making a comeback, which is good news for the country. Influential top chefs emphasize that this development has a positive impact on the international perception of Austria’s gastronomic landscape.

New hope for the gastronomy sector

Austria has never really been considered a gastronomic wasteland, as the numerous awards that top restaurants in urban and rural areas can claim for themselves show.

Nonetheless, the return of the Michelin Guide is welcomed as welcome news after the local gastronomy has struggled for years to gain recognition. Now the wait is over.

The renewed awarding of stars by the testers across the country marks a triumphant moment for the tourism industry. The “red bible” attracts many gourmets to certain regions and restaurants, which is clearly reflected in the booking figures.

There is talk of significant revenues in the millions. For many people, this is reason enough to visit certain regions or restaurants – which are hopefully equipped with appropriate menus and drinks lists.

Even though Austria has not been completely out of the running since 2009 – Vienna and Salzburg were still represented by the “City Selection” – the assessment now once again covers the entire country with the “Start Austria Selection 2025”.

This was made possible by the cooperation of eight regional tourism organizations, the Austrian Gastronomy Association and Österreich Werbung, with a leading figure in the tourism sector highlighting the culinary aspects alongside the landscape, winter sports and cultural highlights as a major attraction for vacations in Austria.

The Michelin Guide recognitions and awards also serve as an additional magnet for international audiences, attracting renowned and aspiring chefs, while providing an incentive to retain these talents in the domestic tourism sector.

So it’s time to refresh hotel folders and wine lists – a breath of fresh air at the table is a sign of respect.

The critics of the Michelin Guide are known for their strict assessment. Only those who can compete with the best restaurateurs in the world and consistently deliver outstanding quality can expect to receive the coveted star award.

Michelin recommendations and stars offer an additional incentive for international guests

New recognition for Austrian gastronomy

Leading representatives of Austria’s top gastronomy are delighted with the nationwide return of the Michelin Guide and consider it to be a recognized international benchmark.

Many restaurants that have been regularly visited by the Michelin critics in recent years as part of the assessment of cities will once again receive the coveted stars in recognition of the work they have done.

Criticism that the renowned Michelin Guide only gives advantages to the top establishments is firmly rejected by kitchen professionals. Anyone traveling through Austria can see that the density of excellent gastronomy is high in relation to the size of the country.

The Michelin Guide is very appropriate for positioning Austria as a destination for high-quality tourism. The inspections are anonymous, and it even happens that a critic comes forward after the meal to say thank you, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

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