Now Visit Sweden is launching a national API, Application Programming Interface, as one of the first nations in the world by collecting Sweden's tourist offerings, which increases innovation capacity and future-proofs the visibility of Sweden's tourism and hospitality industry digitally.
– By bringing together the tourism industry in a common digital standard, we are strengthening Sweden's attractiveness internationally and making it easier for travelers around the world to discover Sweden's unique destinations, says Sara Modig, State Secretary to Minister of Energy and Enterprise Ebba Busch.
The national API for the hospitality industry will serve as a resource for innovation and create opportunities for the development of digital services, such as AI-powered travel apps, sustainability measurements or smart recommendation systems. Data can also be combined with other data sources, such as weather data or local traffic, which provides the conditions for richer services and experiences based on weather or travel time.
– We are extremely pleased that we are now future-proofing the Swedish tourism industry's global visibility and enabling exciting innovations. By being one of the first countries in the world to bring the entire country together in accordance with the global standard schema.org, we are increasing the competitiveness of Sweden as a tourist country, says Nils Persson, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Sweden.
The API that Visit Sweden has developed means that data is collected and structured according to a global standard to be open, flexible and accessible. Because the data, all facts, are made freely available without a license fee for anyone to use.
The new national API for Sweden's hospitality industry is in line with the government's data strategy and highlights Sweden's ambition to be at the forefront of digitalization and is a clear example of how open data and digital infrastructure enable growth, innovation, new jobs and strengthen competitiveness throughout the country.
By collecting data from the tourism industry throughout Sweden, a data set is created that is interesting for AI, search engines, booking services, platforms, programs, apps and developers to find, retrieve and use about Swedish destinations, accommodations, events and experiences.
– The strength lies partly in creating a large and credible amount of data for modern digital functions through rich content from small players to large chains throughout the country, and partly in the fact that we have done this together with regions, destinations and the tourism industry, says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden.
To create a long-term functioning structure and help companies become more visible, Visit Sweden has collaborated with Sweden's regions, companies, municipalities, industry associations and tourism organizations. An effort where understanding the needs for visibility and engagement has made the work considerably easier.
– It is very pleasing that Sweden's tourism industry, through Visit Sweden, is gathering in a dedicated API that ensures effective, digital visibility now and in the future, says Jonas Siljhammar, CEO of Visita.
The API means that information providers own their facts, update them in one place and automatically reach out through many channels and platforms simultaneously – including their own. This creates a strong, direct and digital relationship with customers and travelers who always encounter accurate and up-to-date information in all digital services.
Right from the start, there are around 14,000 information records in the system from all of Sweden's regions, with more on the way. Actors who want to participate can find all the information here: https://corporate.visitsweden.com/nationellt-api/
Some of the larger players that are or will soon be adding data: Scandic Hotels, Best Western Hotels & Resort, Strawberry, Swedish Tourist Association, Göta Kanal, SCR – Swedish Camping, Parks & Resorts, First Camp and Swedish Meetings.
According to the press release.
