After an intensive spring where we at Höga Kusten Destination Development actively reallocated our resources to strengthen the tourism industry companies in the Höga Kusten in both the short and long term, in mid-June came the news that many had been waiting for; the travel restrictions were easing and it would be possible to travel within Sweden again. Homestays were the word on everyone's lips and from one day to the next, the order books of Höga Kusten's contractors began to fill up. The figures for July and August also show that commercial accommodation in the Höga Kusten has never before had so many Swedish guests.
From the Destinationsbolaget side, we rolled out the ”sun lounger campaign” across Sweden at the beginning of the summer. Interest in the High Coast was great and magnificent views with wide areas made our offer extra attractive. Curiosity about the High Coast spread and during July the number of visitors to www.hogakusten.com increased by a full 90 percent compared to July 2019.
We will not summarize the final guest night figures until after the New Year. A preview of the figures for July and August shows that commercial accommodation in the High Coast has never had so many Swedish guests. All-time high for hotel nights in July. Guest nights at campsites in August also show an increase since last year, which was already a record year.
Safe and secure holiday experience
– Ahead of the summer, we placed great focus on producing destination-wide information material for companies. In which it was made clear how visitors can receive personal service on site while also reminding them to keep a cordial distance and take responsibility for each other and nature. A big compliment to everyone who created a safe and secure holiday experience for our visitors this different summer, says Mia Karlsson, CEO of Höga Kusten Destination Development.
As it was a different summer, many people chose to holiday at home. During July and August, the High Coast's joint Tourist Service noticed a large number of Swedish visitors. Many of them were first-time visitors.
– Individual entrepreneurs are reporting 20 to 30% increases in both guest nights and turnover. I hope and believe that many of our visitors had a positive experience and that they want to return to the High Coast again. We have already received a lot of inquiries for 2021, says Maria Lundkvist, Operations Manager for High Coast Tourist Service.
In comparison to the rest of the country, the Stockholm region has decreased by 60 % since August last year. The national average for guest nights in July is a 32 % decrease and August a 33 % decrease compared to last year.
Source: Statistics Sweden/Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
Accommodation statistics describe part of tourism in Sweden and only refer to commercial overnight stays in hotels, holiday villages, hostels and camping.
Day visits, overnight stays in holiday homes, visits to family and friends or privately rented accommodation via, for example, Airbnb, which are important parts of tourism, are not included.
