Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Vienna businesses upbeat ahead of Pope's visit

EARTHtimes.org - Aug 09 5:37 AM

Vienna - Vienna's trade chamber is optimistic that the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Vienna from September 7 to 9 will be a boon for the local economy. Approximately 50,000 visitors are expected for the two main events scheduled in the Austrian capital, creating additional value worth around 2.7 million euros (3.71 million dollars), the Austrian press agency reported Thursday.

But even more important is the advertising value Vienna gained by the "positive image" created by the pope's visit, the trade chamber said.

Individual businesses are a little more cautious. Local restaurants and taxi drives expect losses due to roadblocks and other security measures.

For Vienna's hotels early September is generally very busy,even without the head of the Catholic Church visiting hotels it would be a "miracle" if Vienna was not fully booked, Michaela Reitterer of the Austrian hotel association said.

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 4:29 PM