Faster growth in foreign tourism than other countries
Foreign tourism in Sweden is increasing faster than in the rest of the world, according to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The tourism industry has become an economic engine.
Photo: Ulf Hinds, Stockholm Visitors Board
Due to increases in total tourism turnover, a rise in the export value of tourism and the creation of new jobs, tourism has outperformed many other economic sectors.
Sweden has moved past its Scandinavian neighbours and now has the largest share of foreign tourism in Scandinavia. Between 2005 and 2006 the number of foreign overnight stays in the country went up by almost 9 per cent. The European average was 4 per cent.
Stockholm tops the national ranking
Stockholm tops the Swedish national ranking with almost 3 million overnight stays in 2006. Stockholm, together with Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, is the gateway to the rest of Sweden.
Viewed by many visitors as a rather exotic destination, Stockholm and Sweden are projected to see continued growth in inbound tourism. Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is a natural base from which to travel around Sweden. From there, it is easy to reach all points in the country.
Read more about tourism statistics – pdf (49 Kb)Inbound statistics - pdf 115 kB (new window)
Travelling - a part of the Swedish lifestyle
The European Travel Commission ’ s report “ European Tourism Insights 2006 ” states that: “ The British have the third highest propensity for foreign travel after the Swedes and the Swiss…”
The Swedes have always been an outbound nation, and travelling to other countries is part of our lifestyle. Some 235,000 Swedes also live abroad in OECD countries, and Sweden is the Scandinavian country with the largest number of young people studying abroad.
Outbound statistics - pdf 75 kB (new window)
More information
For more information please send an e-mail to routedevelopment@lfv.se or visit our partner’s website: www.stockholmtown.com