New pitches for motorhomes will soon be ready at Elmia in Jönköping. In this week's travel news, you will also find tips on cycling and hotel holidays. In addition, several European countries are beginning to open their borders, very cautiously so far.
Table of contents
20 new car parks to be built at Elmia
At the end of May, twenty new motorhome parking spaces close to the city centre will be ready at Elmia. The facility, which will be available to everyone who visits Jönköping, will have access to electricity and a service station with fresh water and emptying of grey and black water. The pitches will be open all year round for tourists, exhibitors and visitors to Elmia. Payment is made easily on site via a payment station.
Rolfs Flyg & Buss fast on refunds
Information within one hour. Refund immediately. This has been the routine for group tour operator Rolfs Flyg & Buss when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends the travel advisory, according to a press release from the tour operator. In total, 1000 groups corresponding to 45,000 travellers have had their travel plans cancelled. "It is not right to hold our customers' money hostage in an attempt to claim compensation from the state or other authorities", says Emanuel Karlsson, CEO of Rolfs Flyg & Buss.
35 per cent want to cycle this summer
A new survey, commissioned by Göta Canal, shows how the coronavirus pandemic has affected Swedes' holiday plans. 95 per cent of those who usually go abroad stated that they will stay in Sweden and 40 per cent want to avoid activities where many people gather. When asked what outdoor activities they want to experience this summer, 35 per cent said they want to cycle. The Göta Canal provides tips on the country's three national cycle tourism routes, as well as the expected fourth.
- Göta Canal - 200 km along the Göta Canal
- Kattegattsleden - along the coast between Helsingborg and Gothenburg
- The south-eastern route - from southern Småland to south-eastern Skåne
- South coastal route - six stages along the south coast
Several European countries start opening borders
Several countries in Europe are beginning to cautiously open their borders after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is reported by SVT and SvD, among others. At the same time, it should be remembered that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel to all countries until 15 July, after which a new decision will be made. Here are some examples:
- The Baltics allows citizens of the three countries to travel freely between them since 15 May.
- Iceland expects to be able to ease restrictions on foreign visitors from 15 June.
- Italy opens the border to EU citizens from 3 June.
- Germany will gradually reduce border controls and open the border with Austria on 15 June.
Nordic Choice Hotels launches two new concepts
Nordic Choice is launching two new concepts for summer holidays:
- My Summer Treat is a Nordic hotel pass where the guest, together with another person, can stay 10 nights (between 19 June and 16 August) at any Nordic Choice Hotel in the Nordic region for SEK 8,000.
- Unlimited Nights means that the guest, together with one other person for SEK 25,000, can stay as much as they want at all Nordic Choice Hotels in the Nordic region during the period 19 June to 16 August.
Reflection of the week
Many countries in Europe are cautiously opening up, and for some countries summer tourism is of course extremely important for the economy. At the same time, developments are uncertain, and it should not be forgotten that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs still advises against travelling to all countries.
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Istria opens and motorhome fair postponed
Ama de casa says:
Definitely a gold star for Rolfs Flyg & Buss. 🙂
Have a great start to the week!
18 May 2020 - 9:47
Helena says:
Thank you very much!
19 May 2020 - 8:11
Friday of travel says:
Strange times we live in, but hopeful that borders are opening again (although I find it hard to see Swedes being welcome abroad for a while yet...).
18 May 2020 - 10:44
Helena says:
These are indeed strange times! We're happy to wait a while anyway, as we don't know how things will develop right now. Eventually we can travel in Europe again!
19 May 2020 - 8:12
bmlarstravellingblog says:
We believe that many Swedes will use cycling and hiking trails this summer. Let's just hope we get a summer weather that makes this enjoyable.
Kudos to Rolfs Flyg & Buss for a quick refund.
18 May 2020 - 15:02
Helena says:
Yes, nice weather this summer would be good! 🙂
19 May 2020 - 8:13
BP says:
Big praise to Rolfs Flyg & Buss! Imagine if all travel agencies/organisers would do the same.
18 May 2020 - 21:05
Helena says:
I can understand that it is difficult for many small travel agencies. But it gives travellers a sense of security to want to come back when this works.
19 May 2020 - 8:13
Monet says:
Many of our Swedish friends living in France are trying to get home to Sweden in various ways. Now that some hotels are reopening and the ferries are running, everyone is worried about how the rooms on the way up will be disinfected between guests. People are much more aware of the risk of infection abroad than here - do you know how Swedish hotels, B&Bs etc. are reacting?
19 May 2020 - 0:33
Helena says:
No, I don't know exactly how. Most have, as far as I have seen, some information page where you can see how they act around the corona. Nordic Choice, for example, writes like this: https://www.nordicchoicehotels.se/sakerhetsrutiner/
19 May 2020 - 8:18