With great respect for the Småland heritage and innovative work with films from Astrid Lindgren's stories, Filmbyn Småland took home the Tourism Award of the Year, which was presented at Werket in Jönköping.
– We are very happy and it is so much fun for Mariannelund and for everyone who has been involved in Filmbyn Småland and film history, says Ingela Nilsson Nachtweij, Operations Manager at Filmbyn Småland.
At Filmbyn Småland, visitors can step right into Astrid Lindgren's films and experience the film environments from Emil i Lönneberga, Ronja Rövardotter, Saltkråkan, Nils Karlsson Pyssling and Pippi Longstocking. Visitors can see original costumes from the films, learn about how the films were made and what happened behind the camera. This year's award winner has taken advantage of the history of the place and further developed an idea into something grand that attracts visitors from all over the world. Filmbyn Småland is unique in its kind and works actively with sustainability, innovation and strengthening the place Mariannelund.
– Filmbyn Småland is a tourist destination that is very important for Småland, it has great traction and they are building on the heritage that is here. They are not only developing their own business but have strengthened the entire development of Mariannelund and that they are working across both municipal and county borders with the legacy of Astrid Lindgren. They are well deserving of the Tourism Award of the Year in Jönköping County, says Helene Berg, CEO of Smålands Turism.
The jury's motivation:
”Through innovative collaboration around the history of the place, they have not only created an innovative travel opportunity but also strengthened the entire tourism industry. The winner has shown an impressive commitment to sustainability in all its areas of operation with a strong focus on language, accessibility and an inclusive environment. The winner also acts as an important player for growth and development in the tourism industry through its involvement in corporate work at both local and regional levels. The destination attracts long-distance visitors every year who want to take part in the lovely stories that live on from generation to generation. Big congratulations to Filmbyn Småland!”
Onward to the Grand Tourism Prize
By winning the Tourism Award of the Year, Filmbyn Småland is now nominated for the national competition, the Grand Tourism Award, which will be decided in December, where the winner will receive a grant of 100,000 SEK to develop their business.
– Our chances for the Grand Tourism Prize depend on the competition, but we are just happy to be nominated. In our eyes, Astrid Lindgren is always a winner, says Ingela Nilsson Nachtweij.
The Tourism Award of the Year in Jönköping County has been awarded since 2008, last year the prestigious award was awarded to Trakt Forest Hotel outside Vetlanda. In honorable second and third place were Rosenlunds rosarium and Hestraviken Hotell och Spa.
Previous winners
2023 Forest Hotel
2022 Cycling in the film landscape
2020 Wallby Estate
2019 Skullaryd Moose Park
2018 Småland Resorts
2017 Isaberg Mountain Resort
2016 VOX Hotel, Anne Sandstjärna
2015 Småland Culture Festival, Susanne Rydén
2013 Nystedt Tur&Natur, Ellen Nystedt
2012 High Chaparral, the Erlandsson family
2011 Sven Lundh, Källemo and Vandalorum
2010 Garden artist Tage Andersen, Gunillaberg
2009 Hooks Manor, the Edberg family
2008 The Isabergtoppen Foundation
According to the press release
