New motorhome fair, popular holiday destinations and Swedes' Christmas feelings

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Merry Christmas to all readers! Today is Christmas Day, but that doesn't stop us from publishing travel news. This week's news includes a brand new motorhome fair, Swedes' Christmas feelings and different types of winter travel. Stay tuned!

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How we travelled in 2023 - levels higher than before the pandemic

After years of a pandemic that limited travel, followed by a year of economic difficulties, the desire to travel among Swedes is strong. Higher interest rates, food prices and inflation do not seem to have had too much of an impact on travel, and travel agency Ticket's travel statistics show that bookings in 2023 were three per cent higher than in 2019. Most popular destinations in 2023, according to Ticket's statistics:

1. Malaga
2. Alicante
3. Majorca
4. Gran Canaria
5. London
6. Bangkok
7. Barcelona
8. Paris
9. Berlin
10. Nice

Sharp increase in solar holidays this winter

Booking statistics from the airline Emirates show a sharp increase in sun holidays this winter, with 30 per cent more bookings this year compared to last year. This winter's most popular destinations among Swedes are, according to Emirates' booking statistics:

• Bangkok
• Dubai
• Phuket
• Cape Town
• Sri Lanka

Swedes most conflicted about Christmas

"Christmas at last!" or "Oh no, is it Christmas again..."? This is the question that divides Swedes. The hotel and travel search site momondo.se has taken the temperature of Swedes' Christmas feelings with a new survey, where Swedes seem to disagree. Those who are most looking forward to Christmas are the Germans (72 per cent), the British (67 per cent) and the Spanish and Danes (64 per cent). The survey results in brief:

• 53 % look forward to Christmas and 47 % do not care or do not like Christmas.
• 28 % would flee their home town at Christmas if given the chance.
• 38 % would choose to travel to a Christmas destination and 36 % to a non-Christmas destination.
• Of those wanting to travel to a festive destination, 64 % mean snow, 50 % Christmas market in Europe and 35 % lively city with culture.
• Of those who want to travel to a non-Christmas one, 48 % prefer beaches, 11 % history and culture and 10 % spa holidays.

How to cross the winter of 2024 - 5 trends

In the summer, Swedes prefer to cruise in the western Mediterranean (41 percent) and the eastern Mediterranean (21 percent), according to the Cruise Barometer from Prat PR and MSC Cruises. In winter, 50 percent choose the Caribbean. The largest target groups are families with children (29 per cent) and couples 46-65 years (26 %) and couples 65+ years (25 %). Cruise trends:

1. Stay longer: Itineraries with extended stays in port are becoming increasingly popular.
2. Exploring cultures: Tourists are no longer satisfied with seeing familiar sights, but want to explore new cultures.
3. Upgrade: A global trend is that tourists are seeking increasingly exclusive and luxurious experiences.
4. Europe: There is more interest than ever in discovering Europe's cities.
5. Generation X and Millenials: Going on a cruise is increasingly popular with those who haven't done it before.

Hidden gems attract ski travellers

According to data from Hotels.com, travellers are no longer looking for standard tourist destinations, with almost a quarter (23%) of Swedes now prefer to travel to less visited and hidden gems instead. So Hotels.com lists some alternative and more unusual destinations for this year's ski season.

• Tri sestry, Jasná, Slovakia
• El Lodge Ski & Spa, Sierra Nevada, Spain
• The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey, Scotland
• Villa Neri Resort & Spa, Lingualossa, Italy
• Hilton Niseko Village, Niseko, Japan

New direct route to Marseille from Stockholm

Transavia France is expanding at Stockholm Arlanda Airport with the launch of a new direct route to Marseille. The new route further establishes the French low-cost carrier at Stockholm Arlanda and meets the increased demand for travel to the French Riviera. The new route will operate twice a week, starting on 6 June 2024.

Mälardalen gets new caravan and motorhome fair!

The National Association of the Caravan and Motorhome Industry (HRF) is offering an exciting Christmas present - a new trade fair in Stockholm in March called the Stockholm Caravan Motorhome. The exhibition is organised at Stockholmsmässan in parallel with the boat show. All for the Sea 14-17 March 2024, and the entrance ticket gives access to both fairs. Many leading motorhome brands will be present and are already confirmed as exhibitors. The fair Motorhome Stockholmwhich has been organised at the Kistamässan premises, will be closed at the same time.

Reflection of the week

It's interesting that Swedes are more conflicted about Christmas than others. Could it be that our society is more individualistic than many others, and that we are perhaps a little less family orientated? What do you think? Do you like traditional Christmas celebrations or do you prefer "Christmas-free"?

And wow, a new motorhome and caravan fair, that's interesting news. We've previously talked about combining a boat show and a motorhome show, and we think it could be a good combo.

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the This winter's trending destinations and a backstop for travellers

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