The Salzburg Christmas market is an important magnet for visitors from near and far in the run-up to Christmas. This important source of income from tourism will now dry up because the city of Mozart will go into lockdown from next week. The duration is still uncertain. We are talking about several weeks.
“The lights will be on, the huts will be closed,” said the chairman of the Salzburg Christmas Market Association, Wolfgang Haider, on the announced lockdown from next week in Salzburg. He estimates the financial loss to be at least two million euros, which the exhibitors will suffer due to the construction of the infrastructure, the production and provision of the goods. “That’s pure cost, that’s not sales,” explained Haider.
The traditional market on Dom and Residenzplatz in Salzburg’s old town was officially opened today at 10 a.m. Around 100 huts were set up. The association is now looking forward to the visitors who come to the lockdown, the chairman said to the APA on Thursday morning. “And then we lock up. We’re on the same train as everyone else. “
After the lockdown has ended, the Christmas market will reopen. If the lockdown lasts for a long time and does not end until December 24th, for example, unlocking is no longer worthwhile Haider to consider. As planned, the market will not close on December 26th this year for the first time, but only on January 1st.
The operators of the Salzburg Christmas market were informed yesterday by the authorities that due to the Covid-19 Protective Measures Ordinance of November 15, 2021, access to occasional markets such as Christmas markets or Advent markets may only be allowed after a previous complete 2-G inspection. This rule applies throughout Austria and applies to meetings of more than 25 people.
Therefore, the Salzburg Christmas market was enclosed with a barrier. Access is possible at three entrances (Goldgasse, Franziskanergasse, Kapitelplatz), where visitors are checked for 2G proof. You will then receive a bracelet. In addition, entry is only permitted with an FFP2 mask.