The Austrian economy will grow less strongly than initially expected, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OECD research shows that Austria’s gross domestic product (GDP) will rise by 0.6 per cent from 2011 to 2012. Only in May, the organisation announced it expected the GDP to climb by 2.1 per cent. […]
Tag: Euros
ÖBB justifies ‘dumping prices’
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Federal Railways (ÖBB) has defended the introduction of crash prices. A spokeswoman for the company said today (Fri) criticism of the latest move was “incomprehensible” since the customers would eventually benefit from it. ÖBB caused a stir by presenting a programme featuring 25,000 tickets for 15 Euros each for its western railway link connecting Vienna […]
SBB boss says ÖBB will survive
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The head of one of Europe’s most successful railroad companies has said he is convinced that Austria’s Federal Railways (ÖBB) has a future. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) chief Andreas Meyer told Die Presse today (Fri) that “there might be synergies (in the next 20 years), but SBB and ÖBB will stay independent companies.” SBB is […]
Another leading newspaper has confirmed that it received fake letters to the editor filed from a server run by the Social Democrats (SPÖ). The Kurier, a Vienna-based broadsheet, reports today (Thurs) that at least 393 e-mails signed by nonexistent people were sent to its office in the past two years. The daily disclosed that SPÖ […]
Railroad price fight in full swing
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Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn have broken their promise not to engage in a price war. ÖBB chief Christian Kern explained in several interviews his company would focus on better quality and customer service in its attempt to weather the intensified competition on the tracks between Vienna and Salzburg. Westbahn executive manager Stefan Wehinger promised […]
Lift passes cost more than twice as much in Austria’s most popular skiing resorts than in small winter sport destinations, according to an investigation. The Austrian Association for Costumer Information, VKI, said today (Thurs) comparably small regions in Lower Austria and Styria were charging less than 300 Euros for weekly passes for a whole family […]
New austerity threatens rail investments
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Social Democratic (SPÖ) Traffic Minister Doris Bures may be forced to pull the plug on an extensive railway infrastructure project. Bures said in September that 100 train stations all over Austria would be renovated by 2014. The infrastructure minister also presented plans to improve the country’s railroad network in the coming years. The People’s Party […]
A series of pre-Christmas, classical concerts will take place in Salzburg this winter. The event named “Delirium” is to be presented by conductor, director and founder of the Tyrolean Festival in Erl, Gustav Kuhn. The various concerts will take place in the Mozarteum Foundation’s Large Hall and will play host to both the orchestra and […]
The Viennese government has been accused of “ripping off” residents by increasing parking fees. Viennese Green Party boss Maria Vassilakou said yesterday (Weds) leaving a car in the city for one hour would cost two Euros from March 2012 instead of 1.20 Euros. Thirty minutes of parking will cost one Euro instead of 60 Eurocent. […]
Gerry Weber grabs broke rival
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A German fashion firm has taken over bankrupt clothing business Don Gil. It was confirmed yesterday (Weds) that Gerry Weber snatched up Don Gil for around six million Euros. The Austrian company – run by an Italian enterprise – opted for a controlled bankruptcy procedure last month due to its debts of 28 million Euros. […]