Scandinavia – the next Australian destination
24 September, 2008
Australians love Scandinavia
In 2007, Scandinavia as a whole hosted 69,614 Australian bed nights: the equivalent of 69,614 Australians staying one night each. Norway and Sweden competed for the most popular destination, with 41,420 and 40,760 bed nights respectively; while Denmark was close behind with 37,227. This year promises to be even better, with Sweden leading the pack at 28,847 bed nights between January and July – an increase of 29% for 2008 so far.
These encouraging figures were revealed tonight by the Scandinavian Tourist Board (STB) and their close partner Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) at their exclusive travel industry night The Scandinavian Experience on Wednesday 24 September 2008, hosted at Vibe Hotel at Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.
“We are very pleased to announce that Australian tourist traffic to Scandinavia is showing consistent growth. Australian nights in Scandinavia total 78,099 from January to July this year – a 14% increase on last year. The royal connection with our "Australian" Crown Princess in Denmark, the grandeur of the fjords of Norway and the cutting edge design of Sweden, offers Australian visitors a travel experience that is unique, yet still within the European context," comments Kjell Ellefsen, senior executive of STB Regional Headquarters in Tokyo.
The areas that are most commonly visited are the three Scandinavian capitals: Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. Copenhagen is well known for Tranquil Nyhavn, Tivoli and beautiful Amalienborg, while Oslo is renowned for its popular Vigeland Park, new Opera House, Viking ship museum and location, only a stones throw away from unique natural attractions. In Stockholm, old meets new, where a stroll through Old Town which goes back 750 years in time is a must. Designer hotels, restaurants and boutiques are also popular, with the opportunity to check out the latest fashion in clothing and homewares, as well as the chance to tour City Hall, the famous home of the Nobel Prize Banquet.
Denmark
Outside Copenhagen, Denmark is famous for its fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, and a visit to his birth place Odense, one of Denmark’s oldest cities, is very popular. Denmark’s royal influence is also appreciated by Australian visitors, and Egeskov Castle from the 14th century renaissance is not to be missed. Other well known castles include Kronborg Castle, home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet; Frederiksborg Castle, also a natural history museum; Christiansborg Palace, where the Danish Parliament sits; and the Royal Castles of Amalienborg (Copenhagen-Winter residence) and Fredensborg Palace (North Zealand – Summer residence).
Norway
Other highlights in Norway include the Fjords, where the city of Bergen, gateway to the fjord landscape, is a popular destination. Cruising on Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and Geirangerfjord is also popular. As well as Arctic Norway spots such as Hurtigruten, Tromsø, Lofoten and North Cape where one can experience the Aurora and the Midnight Sun.
Sweden
Outside Stockholm, Sweden has plenty to offer such as the Kingdom of Crystal in south of Sweden where they have blown glass since the 18th century. Heading north to the grand scenery of the Swedish Lappland is a unique and popular experience, and many visitors are keen to include a stay at the ice hotel. In Lappland, outdoor activities such as dog sledding and hiking are unique to this area of the country.
The 'Scandinavian Experience' in ABBA-style
At the ’Scandinavian Experience’, STB and SAS, together with a select group of wholesalers and suppliers who specialise in Scandinavia, including MyPlanet / MyBentours, The Globus Family, Adina Apartment Hotels, A1 Trips - Travel Service and more, showcased this unique Nordic destination and products to local Australian retail agents and media. In line with the theme of the ‘Money, Money, Money’ competition, all guests were encouraged to dress ABBA-style.
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