Even before Conchita Wurst's Eurovision triumph helped burnish Austria's tolerant image, Vienna was already popular with gay tourists, attracted by the mix of high-brow culture and history – and also fun.
"You won't see bare bottoms or smutty word plays like you do for other cities. Vienna is sticking to its brand – classical and elegant," the city's tourism chief Norbert Kettner told AFP.
"If you just want to party 24 hours a day, there are better cities. But if you are interested in quality cuisine and culture – and also partying – then you should come to Vienna."
Vienna's baroque imperial splendour, UNESCO-protected cafe culture, world-class classical music and over 100 museums have long made it a hit with tourists – straight or gay.
In the last decade the number of overnight stays by visitors sampling Schoenbrunn palace, Sachertorte cake or Klimt's "The Kiss" has rocketed 60 percent to almost 13 million in 2013.
The tourist board has made a point of trying to attract gay tourists, with a special guide and a Facebook page called "Gayfriendly Vienna" – currently fronted with a photo of Conchita Wurst.
And it has paid off. In January, 80,000 people voted Vienna their favourite cultural destination on website GayCities.com, which calls it "one of Europe's great gay cities".
And as the website highlights, there is also fun to be had after dark, with plenty of fetish parties, saunas and gay clubs "to keep even the most energetic boy or girl happy".
"Vienna has a pretty formal image but it also has a good gay scene. It offers everything from simple bars to sex clubs," Irish visitor Brian Melaugh, 47, told AFP on his second trip to the city.
Sitting off the famous Naschmarkt market at the Cafe Savoy, a venerable gay institution in Vienna, he concedes however that the average age is perhaps higher than other, racier destinations.
"Lots of older gays come to Vienna. Younger ones go to places like Ibiza," he says.
Tolerance
Conchita Wurst's victory at Eurovision was as much about tolerance as it was about music, and gay visitors certainly find the Austrian capital of 1.7 million people an accepting place.
In particular, people from nearby eastern Europe find it a safe haven, says Boyan Dervishev, the manager of Cafe Savoy who arrived in Vienna from his native Bulgaria 26 years ago.
Gay visitors from eastern Europe appreciate the "normality," he told AFP. "If they embarrass themselves, it's not a scandal," he says.
The city also has several gay events including the five-day Vienna Pride, which this year culminates on June 14 with a march of around 100,000 loud and proud members of the LGBT community.
In addition, Vienna city hall hosts the Life Ball, an annual event that over the past 20 or so years has become one of the world's best-known AIDS charity events.
This year's outlandish extravaganza on May 31 – with the theme "Love is a Bloom Growing Anywhere" – is due to be attended by former US president Bill Clinton and singer Ricky Martin, among others.
"Conchita Wurst is a very Viennese figure," said Kettner.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Thu May 15 2014
Conchita Wurst's victory at Eurovision was as much about tolerance as it was about music, and gay visitors certainly find the Austrian capital of 1.7 million people an accepting place. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.