Aside from the many other benefits that come with staging an event like UEFA EURO 2008™, host city Vienna has already received a significant economic boost.

'Massive exposure'
The Ernst-Happel-Stadion still has two more matches to hold – the last-four clash between Spain and Russia and the final – but already the benefits of staging the tournament have become apparent. "Vienna has never had so much exposure in the media, both as the ideal host city as well as a great destination away from football," said Vienna's financial and economic city council Renate Brauner. "It has helped the city's tourism campaign invaluably."

A full house
Tourism director Norbert Kettner added: "Vienna's 47,000 beds have been almost fully booked since the beginning of the tournament. And the demand has risen consistently since the group stage match between Austria and Germany. There are only a few rooms still available for the semi-final and final." The city's authorities feel EURO has opened the door for thousands of people from different nations to experience all that Vienna has to offer, and the Austrian capital is likely to feel the benefits for years to come.