easyJet waltzes off to Vienna

With TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing bringing the ballroom back into fashion, easyJet is to launch a new route to the home of the waltz to meet the demand from people gripped by dance fever.

The low-cost airline is to launch flights between London Gatwick and the Austrian capital, Vienna, following the success of a similar service from Luton.

Vienna, which hosts some of the most high profile ballroom dance events in the world, has seen a boost in tourism spurred on by hit shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars.

Tourists bitten by the ballroom bug are flocking to the city to learn dances like the waltz in their native city, and new English-speaking dance schools are regularly springing up to meet the demand.

Meanwhile, the city’s new inland beaches and growing reputation for nightlife are seeing a flurry of younger visitors attracted to the city too.

Paul Simmons, easyJet's UK general manager, said: “Vienna has always been known for its historical past, but the city is now enjoying a real renaissance.

“We are seeing lots more tourists wanting to visit Vienna. Although people still want to see its palaces, art galleries and museums, they now want to experience the romance of dances like the waltz where they originated, in some of the grandest ballrooms in the world.

“There’s also a renewed interest in Vienna from the younger crowd for its lively nightlife and riverside music scene.

“As a major business centre we’re also anticipating a lot of traffic from business travellers using the new London to Vienna route."

easyJet will offer flights one way from just £29.99 (including taxes). Flights are available to book online now.