On November 14, Visit Värmland presented awards to the tourism industry in Värmland during the Värmland and Karlstad Tourism Industry Days. With the Värmland Tourism Award, which consists of SEK 10,000, Visit Värmland recognizes an actor who has significantly contributed to strengthening the Värmland tourism industry. The winner of the Värmland Tourism Award 2019 will also be nominated as Värmland's representative for the Great Tourism Award 2020. This year, the Värmland Tourism Award 2019 went to Naturbyn with the following justification:
”"In an era of globalization, digitalization, stress and flight shame on the agenda, Naturbyn in Långserud has created a product that provides contrast, tranquility and sustainability. In a new and innovative way, a stripped-down nature experience without frills is delivered where the visitor can be one with nature. Experiences, activities and accommodation are permeated by nature and both economic, social and environmental sustainability. Through the attractiveness that Naturbyn has created with both long-term perspective and renewal in mind, visitors are attracted from near and far. Naturbyn is one of Värmland's most unique and attractive destinations."”
Visit Värmland also awarded the 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year. This is to highlight an actor who has distinguished himself in the tourism industry in Värmland through innovative thinking (development of existing operations or new start-ups). The 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year was Happy Camp with the following justification:
”"This year's newcomer is being awarded for complementing the Värmland tourism industry with a glamorous nature experience in an innovative and new way. The enormous boldness of both creating a luxurious nature product and creating a product that attracts new target groups to nature and camping is right on time. Happie Camp's creative and innovative product will contribute to a reason to travel in itself. Visit Värmland wants to award this Värmland product and elevate it to a point of pride in Värmland before Happie Camp goes on export to other regions."”
An accessible sky – a study on passengers with physical disabilities, Isak Larsson, was awarded the Essay of the Year 2019 with the following justification:
”"Isak has written a well-planned and well-researched essay that, with innovative use of method and theory, highlights a significant knowledge gap about accessibility in the tourism industry. He examines the conditions for accessibility for air passengers with physical disabilities. He highlights challenges, opportunities and possible improvements in air transport. Isak points out improvement opportunities, which in the long run will benefit the development of tourism in Värmland."”
The award was presented by Mia Landin, CEO of Visit Värmland. The jury that also selected the finalists consisted of the Visit Värmland board and the Visit Värmland CEO.
