The industry organization SCR Svensk Camping's annual booking survey indicates that the industry has good prospects for a record year in 2024. Almost eight out of ten member companies state that the booking situation is better or just as good this year compared to last year.
Sweden's campsites are in a long-term positive trend. Last year's 16.6 million guest nights now look set to be surpassed, according to a survey conducted by SCR among member companies ahead of the upcoming high season.
For almost half of all campsites that participated in the survey, bookings have increased compared to last year, and every fourth facility reports an increase of over five percent.
-Despite a cold spring and a slightly late start, interest is very strong and the booking situation is better this year in many places compared to last year, says Martin Juhos, CEO of SCR.
The companies were also asked how they think the season as a whole will be, compared to the previous year. The forecast is somewhat more optimistic than the current booking situation shows. A full 56 percent of campsites believe that 2024 will be better than last year.
These are encouraging figures for the industry, which is now looking towards Europe, and not least Germany. Camping is the largest tourist accommodation for both Swedish and European summer tourists in Sweden.
-Swedish and Norwegian guests are by far the largest guest groups and now we are working to ensure that even more guests from Germany and the Netherlands, but also Belgium and Switzerland, discover Sweden, says Martin Juhos, CEO of SCR.
High pressure both in the north and south
The responses indicate a strong booking situation for campsites across the country. At Värnamo Camping, the season has started in full swing. Last year was a record year in terms of the number of guests and owner Ulf Hindsén is also positive for 2024.
"At the beginning of the season I was a little worried, but now things have turned around and we have a strong booking situation for the high season. It looks good," says Ulf.
The facility, which is located a few steps from the center of Värnamo and a few steps from the deep Småland forests, attracts visitors with both cultural and nature interests.
A little further north, in Skellefteå and at the five-star Byske Havsbad, facility manager Celia Yoshida Ahlin is looking forward to a strong summer and hopes that the weather gods are in a better mood than last year. Most Norwegians come here, followed by Swedes and Germans.
-Pre-bookings were weak. The spring was cold and there was snow until the end of April, but now it looks very good, says Celia.
Facts SCR's Booking Survey
Booking status at SCR member companies as of the end of June 2024
Booking situation is better than 2023: 45 percent
Booking status is at the same level as 2023: 31 percent
Booking situation is worse than 2023: 24 percent
Forecast according to SCR member companies
2024 will be better than 2023: 56 percent
2024 will be on par with 2023: 23 percent
2024 will be worse than 2023: 21 percent
According to the press release.
