Forget charters to Greece or plane tickets to the Riviera – this year many of us will probably be vacationing at home instead.
And the country's own tourist destinations haven't given up hope for summer yet.
”"There is a pent-up need to do and experience things, and you may not need to be in the Canary Islands to do it," says Jonas Rosén, CEO of Visit Dalarna, to TT and continues:
”"We have an unclear picture, but we see a possibility that the holiday will be local, regional and perhaps also national - with Swedish guests."”
If you previously associated concepts like "homestay" and "homestay" with trends, these may now be the only vacation options Swedes will have this summer. The development of the virus and possible travel restrictions for the summer are still unknown - the tourism industry is waiting for word from the Public Health Agency and holding its breath.
How the season It's too early to say, but one thing is certain - bookings for cottages, hotels and hostels are coming in, according to Höga Kusten Destinationsutveckling.
”"We see that people are booking ahead of the summer. We have a 30 percent increase in visitors to our website, more than last year at the same time, and we are getting questions about hiking, outdoor experiences and accommodations that are isolated from others," CEO Mia Karlsson tells TT and continues:
”It is clear what you are looking for.”
Many tourists from the surrounding area are also starting to get in touch.
”"We have noticed an incredible increase in questions and interest from the local target group - what can you do in the national park and in our nature reserves and other hiking areas. A target group that is now discovering what is available at home."”
The tourism industry in Dalarna is also planning ahead for the season. How large annual events like Dansbandsveckan will go is unclear.
Right now, dialogue is being held with the industry to find alternatives and match recommendations from authorities - so that visitors can feel safe, says Jonas Rosén at Visit Dalarna.
”"Have a little less space at restaurants, a little less guided groups. Offer a different form of accommodation and camping. We are already noticing a demand for this - and you may see it yourself - that a camping trailer can be an attractive accommodation."”
The industry organization Svensk Camping, with just over 360 of the country's campsites as members, also notes a certain interest.
”"Before Easter there were a lot of cancellations this summer, but after Easter it seems like the booking situation has improved a bit. But it is far from a normal year," says the organization's acting CEO Peter Jansson.
Several municipalities choose to invest in local campaigns to get their own residents to discover what is available at home, as it can still be difficult to travel longer distances even in Sweden.
”"It was incredibly clear that the hotel and tourism industry was quickly affected by the Covid crisis, and then we started discussing what we could do with the existing conditions," says Kungsbacka's business manager Elinor Filipsson and continues:
”"And it's likely that people will be at home a lot this summer, so we're highlighting and showing what you can do at home in Kungsbacka."”
In Lekeberg municipality in Örebro County, people think the same way.
”"We produce simple material with a map that we call Hemester and which we distribute here and in nearby municipalities," says Maria Comstedt, business coordinator in Lekeberg municipality.
Perhaps the crisis – when it eventually passes – can spark new thoughts and ideas, believes Maria Comstedt.
”"I'm an incurable optimist, I hope we give travel a second thought. Of course you have to get out into the world, but I hope there will be new needs and new business opportunities when this is over."”
Source: TT
