Austria recently celebrated its triumph at Eurovision 2025, but for many, the real festivities are just beginning. Next week, the Austrian national broadcaster, ORF, will formally begin the process of selecting the city to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May 2026 in Austria. Official letters will be sent to each of the federal state governors, accompanied by a comprehensive 40-page document detailing the application requirements.

The First Stage: Inviting Cities to Submit Their Bids

This complex document outlines stringent criteria: suitable venues in terms of size and infrastructure, accessible transport links – including proximity to international airports – and a hotel infrastructure capable of accommodating tens of thousands of visitors. Among the cities already mentioned are well-known names such as Vienna, Innsbruck, and Linz, alongside Wels and Oberwart, all of which aspire to host this major production.

An Intensive Timeline

Over just five days, no fewer than 12 events will take place – including rehearsals, semi-finals, the grand final, and special broadcasts – with high demand expected even for rehearsal tickets. For comparison, in 2015, 100,000 tickets were sold for official events in Vienna. The goal is to select the host venue by this July. According to the plan, only three bids will remain by the end of June, with the final decision to be made in July.

Unprecedented Economic and Tourism Opportunity

For Austria, this is a national project with vast economic potential. The contest is expected to attract around 200 million viewers worldwide and generate at least one billion (!) views on social media. At stake is not only tourism and culture but also the enhancement of Austria’s image as a modern, international, and open country.

The national broadcaster’s management explained:

“The goal is to present Austria as a country of culture, music, and tourism, and to convey a positive atmosphere of renewal – even in light of the challenging economic situation”.

Political Context Not Forgotten

The hosting process unfolds against the backdrop of a major media storm sparked by a controversial statement from Austria’s latest Eurovision winner, JJ, who compared Israel to Russia and called for Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision. Despite calls from various countries for Israel’s removal from the contest, the national broadcaster emphasized that political issues will not affect preparations or the anticipated hosting.

“There is no reason for the controversy surrounding the winner to impact the organization of the contest. This is an opportunity to focus on what truly matters – the music and the European celebration”.

Stated the broadcaster’s management.

Expectations Run High

Eleven years ago, after the victory of Conchita Wurst, Austria hosted Eurovision in the capital, Vienna. Public enthusiasm was immense, and a survey at the time showed that 75% of Austrians were proud of the hosting. Now, the national broadcaster hopes to recapture that sense of national pride – and even elevate it – as the contest approaches its 70th anniversary.

Austria at Eurovision 2025

JJ, 23, is the opera singer who represented Austria at Eurovision 2025 with the song “Wasted Love”, after being selected internally by the local national broadcaster ORF. JJ won Eurovision in first place after receiving 436 points in the grand final – 258 from the jury, placing first, and 178 from the public, placing fourth. This included 8 points from the Israeli public and 6 points from the Israeli jury.

JJ’s victory marks Austria’s third win in the history of the contest, following the wins of Udo Jürgens in 1966 (“Merci, Cherie”) and Conchita Wurst in 2014 (“Rise Like a Phoenix”).

Source: Krone.