Austrian tourism officials have praised Sacha Baron Cohen for publicizing the country in his comedy movie Bruno.

Funnyman Cohen plays an Austrian fashionista in the satirical film and has come under fire for some its gags, with one of the nation's culture ministers branding his portrayal of Austria "totally inappropriate".

Although most of the scenes portraying the capital city of Vienna were actually filmed in Paris, fans have flocked to Bruno's hometown to take in the local sights.

And tourism chief Norbert Kettner says hotel bookings in Vienna have soared 120 per cent since Bruno's cinema release earlier this month.

Kettner says, "I would like to say, quite frankly, thank you, Bruno!"

Bruno Gallery

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)