Relief in daily operations, more time for guests: AI workshops for the gastronomy industry

From left to right: Lukas Reutterer – House of Digitalization, Hartmuth Rameder – Inn Culture Lower Austria, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Wolfgang Ecker – Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Michael Duscher – Lower Austria Tourism

St. Pölten, July 28, 2026. Coordinating reservations, responding to reviews, creating staff schedules, or preparing content for menus, websites, and social media: Many of these tasks take up time in the daily operations of a restaurant, time that would be better spent in direct contact with guests. How artificial intelligence and digital tools can provide concrete relief will be demonstrated in the workshop roadshow for restaurants and cafes in autumn 2026.

Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner is convinced by the new concept: “Our restaurateurs and cafes stand for outstanding regional cuisine, genuine hospitality, and special moments of enjoyment. To allow them to concentrate on their guests and their core work, they need modern solutions that truly reduce their workload in day-to-day operations. Artificial intelligence can help with this. With the new workshops, we are bringing this knowledge directly to the regions in a practical way, thereby strengthening the competitiveness and future viability of our restaurants and cafes.”

Wolfgang Ecker, President of the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, says: “Especially in the restaurant and cafe sector, helpful AI tools can reduce the heavy workload in certain areas and save time on routine tasks. I am delighted about the concrete, professional support we can offer our businesses here!”

Michael Duscher, Managing Director of Lower Austria Tourism, explains: “More than 600 participants have already attended our previous AI workshops. With this new focus, we are now developing this successful program further in collaboration with the Innkeepers' Association, specifically for restaurants and cafes, to ensure their digital presence is state-of-the-art.”

Lukas Reutterer and Claus Zeppelzauer, Managing Directors of the House of Digitalization, emphasize: “With Manuela Machner, we have once again secured a highly experienced and competent expert for the workshop series. The high demand from the industry provides the best confirmation that AI is now a topic for everyone and that practical, everyday solutions are in demand!”

Hartmuth Rameder, Chairman of the Innkeepers' Association of Lower Austria, adds: “Cooking good, regional, and creative food, being there for our guests – these are the core tasks of our innkeepers and cafes. This makes practical digital solutions that streamline operations and free up more time for genuine hospitality all the more important.”

Successful Workshop Series Expanded

The "AI in Tourism" training initiative was launched in 2024 and aims to support tourism businesses in using artificial intelligence in a targeted and responsible manner – for greater efficiency, quality, and competitiveness in Lower Austrian tourism.

Since its inception, over 30 workshops for beginners and advanced participants have taken place throughout Lower Austria. More than 600 interested tourism partners have already taken advantage of the free training program.

This autumn, the series will be further developed specifically for restaurants and other hospitality businesses. The Lower Austrian Inn Culture Association (Wirtshauskultur Niederösterreich) is expanding the network of cooperation partners, contributing the needs and experiences of these businesses to the program's content. The renowned AI expert Manuela Machner (KiNET.ai), highly regarded by previous participants, will be the featured speaker. With her extensive experience in tourism and IT, she brings the necessary expertise and practical tips for implementation in businesses.

Less Paperwork, More Time for Guests

Under the motto "AI and Digital Tools for Your Daily Restaurant Operations: Less Paperwork, More Time for Guests," participants will receive practical tools that can be easily and efficiently implemented in their own businesses.

One focus is on reservation and booking systems. Participants will learn which systems are right for their business, how to integrate them with their website and Google, and how to reduce no-shows. Digital time tracking is also covered in the workshop.

Another focus is the use of AI in day-to-day operations: Participants will learn how to confidently respond to reviews and inquiries, create content for websites, social media, and menus, and research current food and beverage trends.

The dates for the autumn event series have already been set:

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in Wolkersdorf (Mistelbach district)

Thursday, October 29, 2026, in St. Pölten

Monday, November 23, 2026, in Zeillern (Amstetten district)

Tuesday, November 24, 2026, in Wiener Neustadt

Monday, November 30, 2026, in Niedergrünbach (Krems-Land district)

Tuesday, December 1, 2026, in Tulln

Further information: www.tourismus.niederoesterreich.at/ki-workshops-gastronom