Traditions are meant to be kept, right? On Mondays we run travel news here at FREEDOMtravel, and this Monday is no exception. There's a little extra news today, so stay tuned!
Table of contents
Camping gets a parliamentary network
Parliament has a new interest network. The camping industry, led by the Swedish Caravan and Motorhome Association (HRF), is forming the Camping Network in the Riksdag. The aim is to create political understanding of, and disseminate information about, the conditions and circumstances of Swedish camping and its importance for growth and regional development. It will encourage more MPs to discover and understand the popular camping movement and all the possibilities of camping.
Sharp increase in travel bookings during Black Weekend
Despite the prevailing economic uncertainty, this year's Black Weekend was an unexpected booking boom, according to recent statistics from the travel agency Ticket. Compared to the last Black Weekend before the pandemic, the travel agency noted an impressive increase in bookings, as much as 39 per cent higher. Most booked destinations during Black Weekend 2023:
- Bangkok
- Gran Canaria
- Malaga
- Barcelona
- London
Where we are travelling this Christmas - Europe beckons
December is one of the busiest travel months of the year, with many people travelling home to their loved ones to celebrate Christmas. But there are also many who want to leave the darkness of December behind and travel abroad. Norwegian has compiled a list of the most popular foreign destinations during Christmas and New Year. This year it is mainly big cities that attract, but Spain is also a recurring favourite among Swedish travellers.
- London
- Malaga
- Las Palmas
- Alicante
- Berlin
Christmas table at Finnsirius started on 1 December
Finnsirius, the latest addition to Finnline's fleet, made its debut on the Baltic Sea in September and cruises between Finland, Åland and Sweden. From 1 December onwards, Finnsirius passengers will be treated to a festive Christmas buffet and a guaranteed Christmas atmosphere on board. The Cargo buffet restaurant will serve a Christmas table at lunchtime and the Mickes restaurant will offer "Christmas à la carte". Finnsirius' Christmas menus will be served until 6 January 2024. During the holidays, 26 December - 1 January, Finnsirius will also be filled with live music.
Gothenburg's first Lucia parade is now being organised.
Christmas is coming and Gothenburg is gearing up for a season that attracts crowds of visitors every year. On 13 December, a new Christmas tradition will make its debut, initiated by World of Volvo, Göteborgs Lucia and Avenyföreningen. The Gothenburg Lucia Parade will progress along Avenyn and end with an atmospheric concert at Götaplatsen, performed by the Gothenburg Lucia with 120 choir members.
New flight route from Gothenburg to Dubrovnik
Norwegian continues to develop its route network with more destinations and departures. The focus on the West Coast continues and now the company is launching another new route from Göteborg Landvetter Airport. The new route to Dubrovnik in Croatia means that Norwegian will launch five new routes from Gothenburg next spring.
Ryanair launches two new routes - from Arlanda and Landvetter.
When the 2024 summer programme starts, Ryanair will expand its services at both Stockholm Arlanda and Gothenburg Landvetter. From Stockholm, Ryanair will operate a new direct route to Dubrovnik in Sweden. Croatia. At Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, Ryanair will launch a new direct route to Sarajevo, the capital and business centre of Sweden. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hotel Skansen's bar manager wins cocktail competition in Milan
Hotel Skansen in Båstad is proud to announce that the hotel's bar manager, Daniel Seehuusen, was named the winner of the prestigious Campari Red Hands competition with his innovative cocktail, Campalone. The competition challenged mixologists to use Campari as the main ingredient and explore forgotten flavours. Daniel impressed the judges with his unique cocktail, skilfully integrating Campari with a homemade cantaloupe melon and Ceylon cinnamon soda, punch and a tincture of chicory root.
Hotels.com reveals next year's travel trends in Unpack '24
The new Unpack '24 survey by Hotels.com, with 20,000 respondents in 14 countries, reveals the travel trends for 2024:
- Streaming tourism continues: More than half of Swedes have searched for or booked a trip after seeing it in a TV show or film.
- Tourism: As many as 42 % of Swedes are more likely to travel to a concert this year than the year before.
- Non-alcoholic: Almost half of Swedes (45%) are interested in staying in hotels that offer easily accessible non-alcoholic options.
- Important with vibes: 9 out of 10 Swedish travellers consider the vibe of a hotel to be important when booking.
- 'Go-ccassions' - travelling to celebrate: A quarter (24 %) of Swedes plan to travel more with family and friends next year than in 2023.
Reflection of the week
It's always interesting when someone takes a look at the fortune teller's ball and predicts future travel trends. "Streaming tourism" has been talked about for a while, and it's interesting that films and TV shows seem to have such a strong influence on where people want to travel. We can't think of a time when we've ever chosen a destination based on a film or TV show. Have you done so? If so, which film/series influenced and where did you go?
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Charter to Singapore, fairytale Christmas and train holidays
Anna Nilsson Spets says:
Fortunately, Ryan starts flights to Sarajevo and Banja luka from Brussels as well, it should be utilised, absolutely. Tourist streaming, hmm, as an animal tourist I must admit that National Geographic inspired.
04 December 2023 - 6:37
Lena - good for the soul says:
The camping network sounds great! Always good with a little more understanding from those who decide on big issues.
Hug Lena
04 December 2023 - 12:29