|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Following Austria’s recent Eurovision victory, the national broadcaster ORF is initiating preparations for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in 2026. In the coming week, ORF will dispatch a comprehensive 40-page invitation to all state governors and major cities, including Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Wels, and Oberwart, to submit their bids to host the event.
The selection criteria outlined in the invitation emphasise the need for suitable logistics, infrastructure, hotel accommodations with international (airport) connectivity, and, critically, an appropriate venue. The chosen city must be capable of accommodating twelve shows over five days, encompassing rehearsals and live performances.
The timeline for the selection process is ambitious. By June, ORF aims to narrow the field to around three candidate cities, with the final decision on the host city expected by July. This swift progression underscores the significance of the event and the desire to capitalise on the momentum generated by Austria’s win.
Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest is anticipated to provide a substantial economic boost, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The contest traditionally attracts up to 200 million television viewers worldwide and garners an estimated one billion interactions on social media platforms, highlighting its global reach and promotional potential for the host city.
Despite recent controversies surrounding Austria’s Eurovision winner JJ calling for Israel’s exclusion from the contest, ORF remains committed to delivering a spectacular and unifying event. The broadcaster envisions the 70th Eurovision Song Contest as an opportunity to showcase Austria’s rich cultural heritage, musical talent, and appeal as a tourist destination, while fostering a sense of optimism amid challenging economic times.
As the selection process unfolds, the nation awaits the announcement of the host city that will take center stage in 2026, continuing Austria’s storied history with the Eurovision Song Contest.
