New statistics from Statistics Sweden / The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth show that the number of guest nights at Swedish campsites amounted to 16.6 million in 2023, which is a decrease of 3.1 percent compared to the previous year. 2023 was thus the third best year ever for an industry that is becoming increasingly international.
2023 started strongly, but was then marked by a weather summer that dashed hopes of another record year. Despite this, camping accommodation became Sweden's largest tourist accommodation in July. The industry's accommodation revenue amounted to SEK 2.7 billion, an increase of 3.8 percent.
-For those who like sun and heat, July and August were one of the worst Swedish summers in many years. Therefore, it is of course an extra great achievement that 2023 will be the third best year ever for the industry. During July, the industry was also the most popular holiday accommodation in Sweden with 47 percent of all tourist overnight stays, says Martin Juhos, CEO, SCR.
Camping is the tourism engine at most Swedish destinations during the summer months of June to August. At an increasing number of destinations, the campsite itself is also the main reason for the visit. Camping also continues to be the first choice for most international tourists visiting Sweden during the summer months. 45 percent of European summer tourists stay at a campsite when they visit Sweden. In recent years, SCR has strengthened its marketing in Germany through a digital sales collaboration with the German motoring and tourism organization ADAC. The collaboration will be expanded during the year to also include the Netherlands and Switzerland.
-The industry is becoming increasingly international and we see great potential, not least in the German market where we have increased our marketing in recent years. We are also noticing increased interest from both Switzerland and Belgium, but now it is also important to get the Norwegian guests to find their way back to Sweden after a 2023 that went a bit off track, says Martin Juhos.
Full year summary compared to 2022
-Total number of guest nights amounted to 16.6 million, a decrease of 3.1 percent
-Accommodation revenue amounted to SEK 2.7 billion, an increase of 3.8 percent
-The county with the most guest nights was Västra Götaland with 3.3 million
The destinations with the highest proportion of camping accommodation in June to August, 2023
-Kalmar County, 69 percent of all guest nights at a campsite
-Halland, 66 percent of all guest nights at a campsite
-Värmland, 58 percent of all guest nights at a campsite
Industry share of Sweden's international guest nights in June to August, 2023
-The proportion of Norwegian overnight stays that were at camping amounted to 67 percent
-The proportion of German overnight stays that were at camping amounted to 48 percent
-The proportion of Dutch overnight stays that were at camping amounted to 54 percent
According to the press release.
