The Austrian National Tourist Office has revealed that the tourist arrivals in 2012 in Austria have broken the records of last 20 years. The country has become the most sought-after destination for travelers especially from the Middle East.

Austria's national tourism organization stated that the numbers of tourists from the Middle East in Austria have grown by 664.6% in last 10 years. Moreover, it said that the overnight generated by them has increased by 519.3%.

Austria recorded as many as 218,070 (an increase of 36.3%) arrivals and 712,514 overnights an increase of 35.2%) from the Middle East in 2012. The majority of travelers in Austria came from KSA (29%) and the UAE (28%).

ANTO is participating at the Arabian Travel Market 2013. It is the region's leading travel industry showcase.

Klaus Ehrenbrandtner, Regional Director for Asia & Middle East said that Austria has sought a rapid growth in this market compared to any of the European country. Besides, it is growing at a rate which is double to other popular European destinations like Germany and Switzerland.

"ANTO's main objective is promoting the holiday country Austria and to secure and expand Austria's competitiveness in cooperation with all Austrian tourism partners", added Klaus. This allows ANTO to contribute towards increasing Austria's market share in international tourism.