Sweden’s tourism revenue continues to grow
[2007-11-26 08:46]
Sweden is becoming more and more attractive as a tourist country, according to the Arlanda Visitor Index, which estimates the country’s October income from the tourist and hospitality industry at SEK 6.5 billion.
September was also a strong tourism month, and if November and December show as high a rate of increase as October, Sweden’s total revenue from the tourist and hospitality industry may end up above SEK 81 billion in 2007.
“The tourism industry is willing and able to expand. Rural districts will be kept vibrant and attractive for the local population, jobs can be created and local economies strengthened,” says Eva Hedenström, CEO of Föreningen Turism i Sverige (FörTur), an organisation representing hundreds of companies in the Swedish tourist trade.
“But this requires well-functioning transport systems, both to and from Sweden and inside the country. Non-stop air connections from abroad at reasonable fares are a must. It is a major competitive disadvantage for Swedish tourist sites compared to other countries if foreign tourists must change aircraft one or more times before getting to their destination,” Ms Hedenström says.
A total of 1,636,465 passengers travelled to and from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport in October. International travel is continuing to grow and accounts for around 75 per cent of passengers.
The Arlanda Index is based on the number of international passengers arriving at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. Studies have shown a very high correlation between the number of passengers at Stockholm-Arlanda and tourist industry figures in terms of revenue and overnight stays.
For more information, please contact:
Eva Hedenström, CEO, Föreningen Turism i Sverige (FörTur), mobile 070-796 65 59.
Niclas Härenstam, Manager Press Relations, LFV Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, 0708-91 64 01.