Normally, train tickets sell out well in advance, buses are fully booked and flights are packed with travelers. But this Easter, most travelers are staying home.
”"We are seeing a trend of people heeding the authorities' recommendations not to travel domestically. It is not at all the same travel as during a normal Easter holiday," says Stephan Ray, press contact at SJ.
But not all train passengers have canceled their trips, choosing to wait until close to the trip before canceling.
”We will see if the situation and recommendations regarding the coronavirus change or develop,” says Stephan Ray.
Air travelers have also paused their travel and the Easter holidays are no exception.
”"We are not seeing any greater demand during Easter, quite the opposite. Many people are choosing to rebook and postpone their flights," says Freja Annamatz, press manager at SAS.
The demand right now is non-existent.
”"We are at a minimum level when it comes to domestic flights, with basically only one 'round trip' for each destination a day," says Freja Annamatz.
There are also fewer people choosing to travel with bus companies and several companies are having to reduce their offerings.
”"Easter is usually one of our most travel-intensive periods of the year. Then we run with extra capacity, but it's really not the same situation this year," says Jelena Jovanovic, press contact at Flixbus.
Johan Ekman, CEO and founder of Ekmanbuss and Ekmanresor, agrees.
”"It's absolutely dead. We have basically zero travelers this Easter," he says.
Johan Ekman says that there is a risk that several companies will not exist after the Easter holidays.
”"The problem is that we are not only facing lost income for the tickets. We who sell package tours still have to pay our suppliers and it becomes large sums when we have no one traveling with us during a time when many people usually travel.".
Bookings for Destination Gotland during the Easter weekend have also decreased dramatically.
The ferry company also expects further cancellations in the coming days and is locking several departures during Easter for new bookings.
”"Our clear message is 'Stay home this Easter'. Now we are protecting the healthcare system and securing the necessary supply traffic. Our beautiful Gotland is still there for a journey further in the future," says Christer Bruzelius, CEO of Destination Gotland, in a press release.
Source: TT
