TORONTO — When it comes to booking travel to Vienna, it’s either “now or never,” says the Vienna Tourist Board, which hosted an industry lunch in Toronto recently to tell partners that now is the time to book.

The event, which was co-hosted by Austrian Airlines, Vienna International Airport, Swarovski Kristallwelten and Globus family of brands, highlighted the plethora of reasons to visit Austria, and specifically Vienna, in 2017. Elke Bachner, Market Management of the Vienna Tourist Board, cited the 25th anniversary of Life Ball, the 150th anniversary of the Blue Danube Waltz, and the 175th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra as just three milestone events that may pique the interest of clients.

Elke, who recommends any visit to Vienna should be at least three nights, also highlighted the new Vienna Card, available in one, two or three days. It includes free public transportation plus discounts to over 200 outlets in the city.

The Vienna Airport, which transported 23 million passengers in 2015, was recently awarded the distinction of being a four-star airport in Europe. It will be investing $500 million throughout 2023 in infrastructure and development. Direct service from Canada is available from Toronto, though Montreal is currently in the works. A total of 150 passengers per day, each way fly from Toronto to Vienna.

Globus family of brands is offering its ‘Vienna Now or Never’ agent incentive, which includes a $25 gift card per passenger on all 2017 vacations that include Vienna. Agents must send their invoice number to Inside Sales by Oct. 28, 2016 to receive their gift card.

Avalon Waterways, part of Globus’ family of brands, is also offering 15% on ‘Active Discover on the Danube River’ cruises, plus free air on select itineraries/departures. Plus, when clients book and deposit by Nov. 10, 2016 they’ll save 10% (15% when booking as part of a group).

For more information go to agentlingo.ca. For more on travel to Vienna, go to wien.info/en.