Neither Gröna Lund, Liseberg, nor any other amusement park will be allowed to open this summer.
That announcement came from the government today. The amusement parks now expect to lose billions, and thousands of jobs will be lost.
A maximum of 50 people are allowed to gather in public gatherings. Many had hoped for exceptions for amusement parks, but there will be no such exceptions during the summer, says Interior Minister Mikael Damberg (S) to TT.
”"The government has made a balanced assessment of this and believes that the easing of restrictions that have actually occurred before the summer will be sufficient. And we have a responsibility to ensure that the spread of the infection does not take new momentum in Sweden."”
He refers to the Public Health Agency, which believes that the regulation on a maximum of 50 people should not be changed.
Amusement parks' fairground entertainment falls under the Public Order Act and the Ordinance on Public Gatherings and Public Events. This means that, for example, Liseberg, Gröna Lund and Skara Sommarland are closed while Kolmården, Astrid Lindgren's World and Furuvik are open to some extent.
Is the risk of infection greater in amusement parks than on crowded beaches?
”"There are many activities that are covered by this restriction. It can be water parks, concerts, demonstrations and the Swedish national football team. Many groups have wanted exceptions," says Mikael Damberg.
Aren't you worried that this could be the economic death blow for amusement parks?
”"We have implemented a large financial support package to capture many businesses that are affected. It is clear that we understand that these are sectors that have suffered greatly throughout the pandemic due to the 50-person limit."”
For Parks and Resorts, which owns Gröna Lund, Kolmården, Furuvik and Skara Sommarland, the announcement has enormous consequences. CEO Christer Fogelmarck describes it as ”completely unreal.”.
”"As societies open up more and more, we have been preparing for a long time to open with restrictions in line with the recommendations, just as has been done in neighboring countries. I have really believed that we will be allowed to open," he says.
”"My thoughts go out to the thousands of young people who will now not get their summer jobs."”
The group now expects to lose one billion in sales this year.
He does not give much credit to the Minister of the Interior's justification, that "the easing of restrictions that have actually occurred before the summer will be sufficient.".
”"Why should some be given relief and others not? Why is it okay to sit and be crowded on an airplane or on the beach, or travel around the country, but not to enter an adapted park business," says Christer Fogelmarck.
Surprising, frustrating and sad. That's how Julia Vasilis, head of information at Liseberg, sums up the news.
”"It's hitting our economy really hard. The summer and high season are when we pull in almost all of the year's turnover. It has huge consequences. Even though we have a very stable economy fundamentally, it's going to be painful for us," she says.
Liseberg laid off 95 of its approximately 400 permanent employees in May. Three-quarters of the workforce is on short-term layoffs and the recruitment of seasonal staff for the summer has been put on hold.
The announcement was not what the management at Liseberg expected. During the spring and early summer, while waiting for an announcement, they risk analyzed the operations and took a number of measures to reduce the risk of infection. Everything from fewer visitors to digital queues and various hygiene measures.
”"We have taken enormous measures and believe that we can open safely. All other countries in Europe have an opening plan for the theme parks, we probably thought that we could also get a positive message. This was not what we expected," says Julia Vasilis.
The announcement will have a huge impact on locations where the parks are a driving force in the local tourism industry, according to Visita CEO Jonas Siljhammar.
”"It is an incredible disappointment. The Minister of the Interior must carefully explain why they have not listened to the amusement parks, which have explained how they can stay open with more than 50 people and maintain safe distances between people," says Jonas Siljhammar.
Source: TT
