Austria celebrated its top talent in tourism Tuesday night, crowning a 19-year-old hospitality apprentice as the nation’s best at a glittering ceremony in Vienna’s historic Schönbrunn Palace.
Sarah Schöftner, a trainee at Hotel Guglwald in the small Upper Austrian town of Vorderweißenbach, took home the “Apprentice of the Year” award at the inaugural Tourismusstars gala. The event, which drew industry leaders, policymakers and business executives, marked the first national recognition of excellence in Austria’s tourism sector.
The win adds to Schöftner’s growing list of achievements. Earlier this year, she secured a gold medal at the AustrianSkills competition in restaurant service, earning her a spot to represent Austria at the 2026 WorldSkills championships in Shanghai. “This award means so much to me,” Schöftner said. “It’s a huge motivation to keep pushing myself and improving. I’m especially grateful to my team at Hotel Guglwald—they support and encourage me every day.”
Alexander Pilsl, owner of Hotel Guglwald, joined Schöftner at the ceremony. “Sarah is an exceptional talent with real passion for her work,” he said. “Successes like hers show the high quality of our training programs and our commitment to nurturing young professionals. It makes us proud as an employer.”
The Tourismusstars gala, held April 28, honored excellence across 16 categories, from sustainability and innovation to community engagement. Organizers emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation of tourism professionals, a priority reflected in multiple awards for young talent.
Other winners included David Oberlindober of Alpin Resort Sacher Seefeld, named “Young Generation Tourism Star of the Year,” and Susanne Kraus-Winkler, who received a lifetime honorary award for her contributions to Austria’s tourism industry. The event also recognized cultural institutions like the Natural History Museum Vienna and the Biosphärenpark Großes Walsertal for their role in promoting sustainable tourism.
The timing of the gala—just days before the Eurovision Song Contest—highlighted Austria’s dual strengths in hospitality and cultural events. Christian P. Lerner, the initiative’s founder, called the evening a “strong signal for the entire industry,” noting that tourism remains a cornerstone of the Austrian economy.
For Schöftner, the next challenge is clear: preparing for the global stage in Shanghai. With her recent wins, she’s quickly becoming a rising star in Austria’s hospitality scene—and a symbol of the country’s investment in its future workforce.
