actb’07, the Austria and Central Business Show opened in Vienna last night at the centre of Vienna in its historic Town Hall, with nearly 2,000 sellers, buyers and other guests attending the glittering reception and dinner.
The fifteen strong members of the Australian and New Zealand contingent were at the event with Astrid Mulholland-Licht, the Austrian National Tourist Office Director in Sydney saying that she was delighted that a such strong Australian and New Zealand contingent was attending this year, with Australia a very strong and important market for Austria.
Earlier in the day the group, which includes delegates from Adventure World, Tempo Holidays, Alpine World, Austrian Holidays, Austria Travel Direct, Eastern Eurotours, Explore Holidays, ITC Pacific Group, Russian and Beyond and TravelPlan enjoyed a brisk 
(it is pretty cold, but very specatcular) guided tour of one of Europe’s most historic cities, visiting the major sites of the earlier powerful European dynasties of the various Austrian Empires including the Hapsburgs and the later struggles of World War 2, in the city centre.
Among the the plehora of history. one amazing fact about this historic city, described as being at the heart of Europe, was that within the city of Vienna there are 260 wineries, covering 700 hectares, which is the equivalent of 1700 soccer fields!
And you guessed, Viennese wine was served at the opening event and it was excellent.
The Mole will be reporting daily this week, on location from Vienna, bringing you up to date news and information from Austrian and Central European operators and other organsiations.
A Special on location report by The Mole from Vienna and actb’07.
