However, the weak krona attracts foreign tourists to spend the night in Sweden.

The culprit in this drama is the generally weaker krona compared to the major currencies, which means a thinner wallet for Swedish tourists abroad. The Riksbank's cautious monetary policy is of little help and a weak krona exchange rate is expected to continue in the future.

Since the end of last summer until mid-April this year, the price of one euro has increased by just over one kronor, from 9.45 kronor to 10.46 kronor. Over the past five years, the dollar, the British pound and the Danish kronor have also increased by double digits against the Swedish currency. On the other hand, when Swedes lose purchasing power abroad, it means increasingly cheaper holidays for foreign tourists in Sweden.

This is noticeable on the Bjäre Peninsula in southwestern Sweden, probably best known for the summer resort of Båstad with its annual tennis week. Thanks to its proximity to Malmö and Copenhagen, the coastal strip is a popular destination for Danish tourists. Today's exchange rate helps attract even more guests from the south, according to Tina Eriksson, hotel manager for Torekov Hotell.

”"The weak krona means that more people are coming here. But it's not just Danes, we are also seeing more and more guests from Germany and the Netherlands," she says.

The growing interest among more affluent tourists is reflected in the statistics. In 2017, countries such as Germany, Denmark and the UK topped the list of foreign guest nights in Sweden, with a total of 16.2 million overnight stays last year, according to figures from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Development. Tourism researcher and lecturer in human geography at Karlstad University, Lotta Braunerhielm, agrees.

”"The tourism industry is the fastest growing sector in the Swedish economy. The weaker krona has a clear impact on travel, we have seen that for several years."”

The fact that Sweden has become an increasingly popular travel destination cannot be explained solely by a weaker krona. The untouched nature and Swedish culture are still contributing factors, says Lotta Braunerhielm. In the future, it is the big cities and an increasingly strong profile as a food country that will drive tourism here.

Nordic Choice Hotels, which is also feeling increased pressure from Europeans and Americans on its hotels, explains the interest partly by a weaker krona and partly because the Nordic region has become more accessible.

”"We are seeing an increase in our foreign guests so far this year. We absolutely believe that a weaker krona combined with a stronger euro is having an impact. The fact that the Nordic region has become more accessible to the middle class in Europe thanks to low-cost flights with direct departures here is also an important factor," says the hotel group's chief operating officer Katalin Paldeak Pålsson.

For Tina Eriksson and the staff at Torekov Hotell, planning is now underway for the upcoming summer season, and things other than the krona exchange rate are in focus.

”"The year started a bit slow, because we are so dependent on the weather. Now we are hoping for a sunny spring and summer to boost tourism and bookings."”

Source: TT