Alois Rainer: New host spokesman for 56,000 companies in Austria!

Alois Rainer: New host spokesman for 56,000 companies in Austria!

Strass im Zillertal, Österreich - On June 14, 2025, Alois Rainer took over the management of the Gastronomy Association in the Austria Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ). Rainer was chosen with a large majority and thus follows Mario Pulker, who held the office over a decade. Pulker, who was recently confronted with a shit storm due to misleading quotes to guests with children, expressed himself optimistic. He emphasized that Rainer could learn from his own mistakes and that he would find support in the new role.

Rainer, who has the Gasthof Hotel Post in Strass in the fourth generation in the Zillertal, has been involved in the industry since his early youth. In this context, he managed to take over his parents' business at the age of 20 after the death of his father. In his career, he was active in the Chamber of Commerce for over two decades and held various posts there, including as a chairman of the WK Tyrol WORD. Since 2023 he has been the federal divisional chairman in the federal division tourism and leisure industry of the WKÖ.

new challenges and responsibility

As a new chairman, Rainer is now entrusted to represent around 56,000 restaurants that employ more than 153,000 employees. These companies contribute to sales of around 11.8 billion euros in the catering trade in Austria annually. In a joint interview with his predecessor on the day of the handover, they talked about current topics such as tips, high prices and the opening times of restaurants.

The hospitality industry in Austria plays a crucial role in the country's economy and not only includes restaurants, but also accommodation. In 2023, sales in the entire area even reached a record of around 16.7 billion euros. The gastronomy itself employs around 285,600 people, which is 6.1 percent of the total employment in Austria.

industry situation and development

Currently there are around 31,300 catering companies in Austria. The largest proportion is in restaurants, followed by coffee houses and inns. These companies are mostly small companies with fewer than ten employees, while there are only 18 large companies with more than 250 employees nationwide.

• approx. 7,650 restaurants
• Almost 5,300 coffee houses
• around 5,150 inns

Coffee house culture in Vienna, which has been part of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO since 2011, shows the deeply rooted traditions of Austrian gastronomy. At the end of 2023 Vienna already counted 970 coffee houses that are known for their cozy atmosphere and their social aspect.

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