Posted on 07/10/2007 12:13:31 PM PDT by WesternCulture
Increasing numbers of foreign tourists are choosing to holiday in Sweden - and they are spending more money than ever, according to new figures from Visit Sweden.
The number of 'guest nights' spent in the country in 2006 increased by 9 percent compared to the year before. While the most frequent visitors are from neighbouring countries, new budget airline routes mean that more and more Russian and Chinese tourists are coming.
"The foreign tourists we're targeting with our marketing of Sweden are very interested in different and exotic experiences. Reporting on the internet, in newspapers and on television has proven to be an effective method of reaching these travellers," he said.
He also noted that "the product itself" is improving, partly due to Swedes' mastery of foreign tongues.
"You have to be able to speak Italian, Russian or Chinese if you're going to have tourists from there. We can do that," he said.
The most frequent visitors to Sweden come from Norway, Germany, Denmark, Holland and the UK. But the number of Russian, Spanish and Chinese holidaymakers is increasing rapidly.
Stockholm is still the most popular destination, with almost 3 million guest nights in 2006. The popularity of the Baltic island of Gotland growing fastest, with a 36 percent increase in guest nights. Norrbotten, with its ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, the northern lights and Sami culture, saw a 26 percent increase in its inbound tourism.
The country's rising popularity has also meant a surge in spending. In 2006 foreign tourists spent 75.4 billion kronor in Sweden, an increase of 20 percent on the previous year.
That whole large-boobed blonde reputation probably had nothing to do with it, I’m sure.
I’m European myself (I’m Swedish) and I’ve been to most parts of Europe.
Can Stockholm compete with London, Paris and Rome?
Not really. Stockholm is smaller (although it’s not a small city) and lacks monuments able of competing with those of the capitals of large European countries like Italy, France and Britain.
On the other hand, there is something noble and sublime about the way in which Stockholm, with all her palaces and other great structures, has settled herself on the shores of lake ‘Mälaren’ and The Baltic Sea.
Furthermore, Stockholm is very much of a city ‘on the go’. It’s one of the richest and most dynamic cities in Europe. OK, Stockholm is expensive, but most cities that are going places are.
Stockholm is one of the most clean and beautiful cities in Europe, I think. I have enjoyed the small amount of time I spent there and would gladly go back for a longer stay. It seems as if only recently has it been promoted as a tourist destination.
This rape actually took place in my home city, Gothenburg.
Later on, the perpetrator himself got raped (by another inmate).
In connection to this, the Swedish tabloid ‘GT’ asked the girl in question about her personal reaction to this.
She answered:
- “Horrible. This is something I don’t wish for my worst enemy.”
GT:
- “And he is your worst enemy?”
She replied:
- “Yes.”
so it wasn't a "gang" rape?
I think Tiger Woods has a whole lot to do with this! ;^)
Thank you for your appreciative words regarding our capital, fellow FReeper.
“It seems as if only recently has it been promoted as a tourist destination.”
- True. Stockholm is a city that just recently has found out it is a place able of attracting large amounts of tourists.
For long, Stockholm was happy with being home to many corporate HQ’s and a lot of government organs. However, by now ‘Mälardrottningen’/’the Queen of lake Mälaren’ has developed into a major European tourist hot spot.
“so it wasn’t a “gang” rape?”
- Perhaps it was. I don’t know much about this this story, although I admit it ought to be a concern for every civilized person here in Gothenburg.
As far as I remember, there was a “gang” involved, but one of them was more “active” than the rest of them.
I love Stockholm. I leave for Sweden next week Wednesday and will stay with my friend in Stockholm and travel to Visby, on Gotland. I love it there too!
“I love Stockholm. I leave for Sweden next week Wednesday and will stay with my friend in Stockholm and travel to Visby, on Gotland. I love it there too!”
- Most welcome to Sweden!
Will you be eating lamb eyes while visiting Gotland?
I’ve never tried it myself, but the locals of Gotland always claim this part of the lamb is the most delicious one of the animal.
And don’t drink to much Absolut..
On Gotland, the Absolute bottles are marked "imported from Sweden". Odd eh?
- Feasting on lamb eyes doesn’t seem tempting to me, but I’m willing to give it a try. Most Swedes would probably not wish to taste it, but they don’t mind eating ‘blodpudding’ which is made from pig’s blood (it’s very similar to black pudding and blood sausage) or sausages that, among other things, are made from animal intestines. Anyhow, I’m sure you will enjoy Gotland, it’s one of the nicest parts of Sweden IMO. Generally speaking, I’d say there’s much more to see in Sweden than Stockholm.
“I love the Gotlanders, they might be the closest thing to modern day Vikings!”
- Perhaps they are in some ways, but the population of Gotland is actually a mix between Scandinavians and Germans to a large extent. However, northern Germans have much in common with the Scandinavians, both genetically and culturally.
“On Gotland, the Absolute bottles are marked “imported from Sweden. Odd eh”
- If they are bought at ‘Systembolaget’ on Gotland, I agree it’s odd. Can’t think of any explanation.
Again, most welcome to Sweden, fellow FReeper!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.