Tillväxtverket/SCB released the preliminary compilation of 2019 overnight stays. 2019 was a good tourist year for Värmland, even though the number of overnight stays did not reach the same level as the record year of 2018.

Statistics Sweden (SCB) has now published the preliminary results for the accommodation statistics for the full year 2019. The total number of overnight stays in Värmland decreased by 1 per cent in 2019. The preliminary figures show that Värmland had just over 2.5 million guest nights during 2019 (66 per cent Swedish guest nights, 34 per cent foreign guest nights). 

Sweden as a whole is preliminarily increasing by 4 percent. At the national level, hostels, camping and hotels are increasing, while cottage villages are decreasing. Hostel accommodation is the form of accommodation that goes against the national trend and is decreasing in Värmland.

It is very pleasing that Karlstad continues to see an increase in overnight stays, primarily in hotels, which have increased by 2 per cent in 2019. The municipalities of Säffle and Årjäng are also presenting strong figures for 2019.

– The record year of 2018 was fantastic. Campsites and hotels have very good occupancy in 2019, primarily in the Karlstad region, and are increasing in line with the Swedish trend. It is very pleasing that Värmland has maintained almost as good figures in 2019 as well, and together we will continue the good work in 2020, says Mia Landin, CEO of Visit Värmland.

The positive trend with Chinese visitors continues, and we are seeing an increase primarily in Karlstad and Eda municipalities. We are also seeing a positive increase in overnight stays from both Germany and the Netherlands, two of our priority markets, and here Värmland follows the national trend.

– Visit Värmland’s mission is to work for a sustainable tourism industry and create good conditions, and we look forward to an exciting 2020, says Mia Landin, CEO of Visit Värmland.

Source: Statistics Sweden (SCB) and Growth Analysis