For the sixth time, the Swedish Lapland Visitors Board presents The Awards of Swedish Lapland. This year, the awards go to Niehku Mountain Villa, Voigt Travel, Peter Engström and Explore the North.
Photo:visit sweden
The Awards of Swedish Lapland are presented annually during the annual knowledge and networking days of the tourism industry, the Academy of Swedish Lapland, a forum to gather and strengthen the tourism industry in Sweden's Arctic destination. During the two days, a comprehensive program of speakers and presenters is offered to strengthen the industry's expertise and attractiveness.
The Awards of Swedish Lapland are presented in four categories, both to highlight and reward those who deliver outstanding efforts that strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of the destination Swedish Lapland. The four awards all have different criteria and the award winners are nominated in an open procedure. The jury consists of representatives from the Swedish Lapland Visitros Board and local destinations within Swedish Lapland. The winner is then chosen by vote.
The Enabler of the Year is nominated based on the following criteria: "Brave and persistent initiative that behind the scenes has created opportunities to carry out events, develop or establish new facilities or experiences that make the Swedish Lapland brand travel the world.".
Peter Engström is named Enabler of the Year
The jury's motivation:
”"Through his energy and commitment to developing Storklinten into a year-round facility, in addition to his efforts and investments in the realization of the new innovation Arctic Bath in Harads - which has already taken place in the inspiration pages of major international design magazines - construction contractor Peter Engström has created opportunities for Swedish Lapland's further attraction on the world market."”
Innovation of the Year is nominated based on: "An innovative idea that contributes to the development of the tourism industry, which has achieved commercial impact and puts Swedish Lapland on the international map."”
Niehku Mountain Villa is chosen as Innovation of the Year.
The jury's motivation:
”"By literally digging where you stand, the founders behind Niekhu Mountain Villa have created a dream deeply rooted in the history of the place. The combination of the uniqueness of the building, where parts of the locomotive shed ruins in Riksgränsen have been built into the hotel and genuine, world-class hospitality, as well as the proximity to an extraordinary mountain world, makes this a new magnificent experience of Swedish Lapland, which has already been discovered by guests as well as the world's media."”
The Bridge Builder of the Year is nominated based on the criteria: "Person or company that builds valuable bridges and networks that strengthen Swedish Lapland's position in the international travel market.".
Voigt Travel is named bridge builder of the year.
The jury's motivation:
”By establishing and maintaining direct flight connections from Holland to two airports in Swedish Lapland, also for two seasons, Voigt Travel has established a valuable air bridge between Swedish Lapland and Europe, where we also see how the Dutch market increases its entry to the destination year by year.”
Spirit of Swedish Lapland is being awarded for the first time this year and is given to an inspirer or initiative that, through its genuine hospitality, elevates the destination Swedish Lapland and makes the visitor feel at home in our Arctic everyday life.
Explore the North is named winner of the Spirit of Swedish Lapland award
The jury's motivation:
”"Sara Ljunggren and Johan Väisänen, through a strong belief in the attractiveness of our Arctic lifestyle, have established international travel destinations in places such as Särkimukka, Lannavaara and Tärendö. Genuine hospitality with activities in focus not only creates an internationally strong reason to travel but also job opportunities and opportunities, even for locals, to experience an international environment in Swedish Lapland."”
