Sagoslott, campinghot och storpublik på Elmia

Then it was Monday again, and thus travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. We have just finished an intensive week at the Elmia Husvagn Husbil fair in Jönköping, and some of the news relates to just that.

Table of contents

Sagoslott joins Countryside Hotels.

The fabulous Lejondal Castle is now a member of Countryside Hotels. The castle, located in Bro north of Stockholm, has been renovated during the year with remodelled rooms, premises and a new relaxation area. The castle, often referred to as a fairytale castle, now hopes to reach out to more weekend guests and even foreign visitors. The castle is also building the world's largest collection of Swedish gins and offers an extensive collection of teas.

Taxes and regulations biggest threats to Swedish campsites

The biggest threat to future growth in the Swedish camping industry is the taxation of new motorhomes, passenger car class II. This emerged during an industry discussion at Elmia Husvagn Husbil. HRF, together with Svensk Camping, Caravan Club and Svenska Fordonsbranschen, runs the "Motorhome Campaign" for fairer taxation, and advocates a taxation model that takes into account the special nature of the motorhome as a vehicle.

Other issues hampering the growth of the camping industry include the employer's contribution for young people, planning and building regulations and weight limits for driving licences. The Caravan Club is concerned about Sweden's reluctance to accept the EU's proposal to raise the weight limit for B driving licences to 4,250 kg to accommodate the higher weight of non-fossil fuel vehicles.

Per Nilsson, Chairman of the National Association of the Caravan and Motorhome Industry (HRF).

New features at Elmia Husvagn Husbil attracted a large audience

Interest in mobile life is at a record high. This is clear after five intensive days at Elmia Husvagn Husbil. The campsite was fully booked and offered a great atmosphere among the visitors. For the first time ever, a live podcast was recorded at the fair and the feature was very popular. News of the year Destination Square was also a welcome addition and often attracted large audiences to the stage. This year's fair attracted over 140 exhibitors and 31,000 visitors. Next year Elmia Husvagn Husbil will be held 11-15 September.

HusbilsAnnika on the stage at Destinationstorget, photo: Elmia AB

Scandic Go has opened in Stockholm

Scandic Go is Scandic's new brand in the economy segment and offers smart accommodation in attractive city centre locations at a good price. Scandic Go, Upplandsgatan 4 in Stockholmis the first to open. As early as summer 2024, the next Scandic Go will open on Kungsholmen in Stockholm. More openings are expected and the long-term goal is to become the market leader in the economy segment in the Nordic region. The traditional breakfast buffet has been replaced by coffee/tea with croissants, sandwiches and juices, and street food can be ordered easily via mobile phone.

The Go Discover travel fair returns to Gothenburg, Sweden.

The Go Discover travel fair returns for another year with lectures on exotic destinations. The event is organised by tour operators African Tours & Safaris and Hummingbird Lifestyle Travel. Lectures are held on South Africa, the Maldives, Mauritius, Costa Rica and Tanzania, among others. Go Discover will be held at BrewHouse Gothenburg, Surr Arena in Gothenburg, on Saturday 16 September at 10-17. Pre-registration is required.

Halloween celebrations at Furuvik

The spookiest and most cosy experience of the year is back! Between 14 October and 4 November, the park will be filled with thousands of pumpkins and exciting experiences for the whole family. This year's big news is a brand new Pelle Svanslös theatre: The Hunt for the Great Halloween Angel. The dates for Halloween at Furuvik are 14-15 October, 21-22 October and 28 October-4 November.

Reflection of the week

We can only agree that it is great that the Destination Square, which was organised by Elmia in collaboration with us at FREEDOMtravel, attracted so many visitors. We are already thinking about how the square can be further developed and become even better for next year.

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Safe cards, adult destinations and often-missed world heritage sites