From 2013 to 2017, inbound tourist arrivals are expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.85%, with inbound tourist expenditure expected to reach SEK159.4 billion (US$23.4 billion) by 2017.
The number of international tourists visiting Sweden has increased in the recent years. According to a new report by Timetric, this positive trend is set to continue to 2017, bolstered by the attraction of Sweden’s unique natural phenomena.
According to the report, inbound tourist arrivals rose from 8.9 million in 2008 to 10.9 million in 2012, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.22%. This trend is expected to continue between 2013 and 2017, thanks in part to the active promotion of the country’s scenic beauty and natural phenomena by the Swedish tourism board.
Sweden’s nature-based sights continue to draw international and domestic tourists
According to the report, tourism in Sweden is primarily nature-based. Key tourist attractions include the northern lights (or the aurora borealis), ice hotels and the country’s 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ice Hotel at Jukkasjarvi, for example, attracts more than 50,000 tourists every year.
From 2013 to 2017, inbound tourist arrivals are expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.85%, with inbound tourist expenditure expected to reach SEK159.4 billion (US$23.4 billion) by 2017. The report also finds that domestic tourism is expected to increase from 38.6 million trips in 2012 to 48.9 million in 2017, driven by efforts by the tourism board to promote Sweden’s natural attractions and adventure tours.
Positive tourism outlook offers potential for travel intermediaries
The Timetric report recommends that to attract more visitors, travel agents and tour operators highlight the unique natural phenomena which can be experienced in Sweden. Tour operators like Authentic Scandinavia are quickly catching on to the trend, offering a variety of specialised tours such as the Northern Lights Adventure Tour and the Swedish Lapland Winter Experience.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
