Vienna Tourism showcases culinary heritage with vampire campaign
Vienna Tourism is kicking off the 2026 Culinary Year with an unconventional campaign film. «Vienna Bites» combines destination marketing with cinematic storytelling and tells the story of a vampire clan in Vienna at night. The campaign draws on the city’s historical connection to vampirism and was developed by the agency Seite Zwei.
Vienna Tourist Board presents "Vienna Bites", a three-minute short film that opens the 2026 culinary theme "Vienna Bites. Cuisine, culture, character". Instead of staging food in a classic advertising format, the film tells a fictional story: a vampire clan roams through Vienna at night, convinced that the blood of the Viennese is particularly delicious because of Viennese cuisine. The narrative turns iconic dishes from Wiener Schnitzel to Kaiserschmarrn into visual and symbolic elements of a stylized, atmospheric film world.
Historical connection to vampirism
The concept ties in with Vienna's little-known historical connection to vampirism, which was first documented in the city in 1725. The campaign links this history with the current worldwide interest in vampire and horror narratives. This is currently also reflected in the strong presence of corresponding, award-winning films, including "Sinner", which received several Oscar nominations this year.
International production with Viennese roots
The film was developed by the Viennese agency Seite Zwei, which is responsible for the idea, concept and creative direction. The film was directed by the renowned Los Angeles-based advertising and film director Bianca Poletti. The project was produced by Muellers Bureau. The production combines Viennese locations such as the Hotel Sacher, Café Schwarzenberg and the Kunsthistorisches Museum with an international aesthetic. The soundtrack was created in collaboration with US-based composer and songwriter Morgan Kibby, who has already worked with Lady Gaga and Harry Styles, and the band The Graveyard Club.
Strong international response
Designed for digital playout, "Vienna Bites" will be released internationally in central core markets such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom and the USA. On YouTube, the film is aimed specifically at target groups with an interest in culture, cuisine and cinematic storytelling. Since its launch at the beginning of February, the film has had over 16 million views, demonstrating a strong international response.
The film features prominent representatives of Viennese cuisine, including Anton Pozeg, Culinary Director at the Hotel Sacher, Lukas Mraz from the two-star restaurant Mraz & Sohn, Stefanie Herkner from "Zur Herknerin" and Parvin Razavi from the restaurant &flora.
Further information on the campaign can be found at vampires.vienna.info and on the annual theme at viennabites.vienna.info.
Responsible at the Vienna Tourist Board: Norbert Kettner (Managing Director), Claudia Wieland (Director Brand Management), Lukas Merl (Team Leader Brand Communication), Patrick Hilz (Creative Director Brand), Isabella Graf and Janine Hartl (Project Management). Responsible for page two: Romane Basquine, Christian Begusch, Benedict Dorndorf, Lucas Guizetti, Iris Karl, Irene Martínez, Stefan Mayer, Michael Niedermair, Christoph Schörkhuber, Stefanie Wurnitsch (idea, creative direction & graphic design). Responsible at Muellers Bureau: Bianca Poletti (Director), Adrian Bidron (Director of Photography), Claudia Hofmeister (Executive Producer), Rita Hofmeister (Producer). Set photography: Herman Höger.
