The travel restrictions between Sweden and Finland are hitting the Åland tourism industry hard.
”"For those of us who have businesses in Åland, the summer season is simply vital," says Michael Björklund, chef and restaurant entrepreneur, to TT.
The Åland tourism industry is experiencing a different summer this year after Finland introduced strict travel restrictions this spring, which put an end to the hordes of Swedish tourists who usually disembark daily in the ports of Mariehamn and Eckerö during the summer season.
The industry also suffered a setback in the spring after Finnish restaurants were forced to remain closed for two months to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Michael Björklund, chef and owner of several restaurants in Finland, including Smakbyn in the Åland town of Kastelholm – and also winner of this year's edition of "Robinson" – describes how he already felt strong anxiety about the coming summer during the spring.
”"Spring was a disaster - and for those of us who have businesses in Åland, the summer season is simply vital. So it's clear that people were very worried," he tells TT.
The strict restrictions that the Finnish government has imposed on travelers from Sweden have also hit the Åland tourism industry hard during the summer, says Michael Björklund.
”"In Finland, they did some advertising for Åland during the spring when they couldn't do it for the Swedish market, which has meant that we have had some guests from the Finnish mainland. But since Åland is closer to Sweden, it has definitely been noticeable that Swedish tourism has only been marginal this summer."”
Olof Salmi, who owns and operates Sandösund's campsite on the island of Vårdö, also agrees that the tourist loss has been significant during the summer.
”Compared to previous summers, this one has been very quiet – we have only had ten percent occupancy compared to normal,” he says.
The strict entry restrictions from Sweden have also had a domino effect, as they have put a stop to the normally important tourist influx to Åland from other European countries, according to Olof Salmi.
”"At this time of summer it's usually packed with Germans and Dutch here, but this year only 15 German teams have managed to get here. Some have gotten here via the Baltics or via the ferry that operates between Travemünde and Helsinki. But getting in via Sweden – that's not possible."”
Regarding the future, Michael Björklund says that he himself plans to reduce the opening hours of his restaurants during the autumn due to the current situation - and adds that the biggest concern for the Åland economy at the moment is the crisis in shipping.
”"We have survived other economic crises before, but for the first time our important shipping industry has taken a real hit, and it is hitting Åland society hard," he says and continues:
”"Now we have to start thinking in new ways and sort this out together. But in the restaurant business, we have always longed for the Swedes – we are like a small suburb of Sweden."”
Source: TT
