April Fool's jokes, trending cities and time to vote

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Every year, a bunch of April Fools' jokes appear in the travel news! It's not easy to know what's a joke and what's not (some of the world's real news could easily qualify as a joke!), but the date 1 April is a clue... Plus, we can tell you about trending cities and other exciting things!

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April fool's jokes in travel news!

We received a whole bunch of exciting press releases on 1 April. Jokes or no jokes? You decide, but we can tell you that the following news arrived on 250401.

• Jacy'z Hotel & Resort takes control of the weather - With the help of a pioneering weather technology, Gothenburg will experience a 100 per cent rain-free summer.
• Rolfs Flyg & Buss celebrates 50 years with a beer rÖLfs - The Nordic region's largest group tour operator, Rolfs Flyg & Buss, is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching its very own beer - rÖLfs.
• Lisebergs sells FlumeRide, which moves to Stockholm - In a historic collaboration between Liseberg and Gröna Lund, FlumeRide is moving up to Stockholm under a new name - StockHolm.

Spain tops the list for Easter holidays

Easter is one of the biggest travel periods of the year and Norwegian has compiled a list of the five most popular destinations among Swedish travellers. Three of the five most popular destinations are in Spain making it the most popular holiday destination among travelling Swedes. Malaga tops the list followed by Alicante, London, Barcelona and Rome.

The big cities that are trending among Swedes

According to recent figures from TUI, Swedes' bookings of city breaks have increased by a full 23 per cent compared to last year. Most booked are classic weekend destinations such as Barcelona, Rome and Prague. The major cities that have increased most in percentage terms are as follows:

1. Reykjavik (153 %)
2. Berlin (144 %)
3. Amsterdam (103 %)
4. Riga (100 %)
5. Athens (88 %)

Five Italian cities that are trending

Cosy trattorias, historic sights and la dolce vita. Italy is a classic destination that continues to attract Swedish travellers year after year. This summer is no exception, according to new booking figures from TUI. Top 5 - Italian city destinations that increase the most compared to last year:

1. Venice (88 %)
2. Milan (68 %)
3. Pisa (63 %)
4. Palermo (49 %)
5. Florence (33 %)

Scandinavians' interest in Asia is growing

Scandinavians are increasingly drawn to the diverse cultures of the East. In the first three months of 2025 alone, data from Amadeus Navigator360™ shows a 14.5 per cent increase in flight searches to Asian destinations from Scandinavia compared to last year. For example, Japan is expected to welcome 49.3 million visitors in 2026, which is 155% more travellers than in 2019.

Airports most affected by delays

London tops the list of the most delayed airports, and Italy is also hard hit. In Sweden, Gothenburg Landvetter has the most delays, closely followed by Arlanda. International airports with the most delays according to momondo:

1. Gatwick Airport, London, United Kingdom
2. Fiumicino Airport, Rome, Italy
3. Antalya Airport, Antalya, Turkey
4. Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom
5. II Caravaggio Airport, Bergamo, Italy
6. Athens Airport, Athens, Greece
7. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, Nice, France
8. Palma de Mallorca Airport, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
9. John F. Kennedy Airport, New York, USA
10. Malpensa Airport, Milan, Italy

First Camp enters Finland

First Camp, the largest camping and resort group in the Nordic region, acquires Apukka Resort, one of the largest and leading resorts in Finnish Lapland. The acquisition will be First Camp's first destination in Finland. Apukka Resort, located just outside Rovaniemi, has an annual turnover of approximately EUR 22 million and offers 116 high standard cottages and glass igloos. Winter tourism in Rovaniemi is growing rapidly and there are currently over 40 direct flights to and from Rovaniemi.

New boutique hotel with spa opens on Ekerö

Opening in May 2025 Season Hotel in Jungfrusund on Ekerö - a family-run boutique spa hotel with Scandinavian minimalism. Just 15 minutes from central Stockholm by rib boat, it combines stylish relaxation with nature-based experiences, gastronomy and culture. Behind the venture are three local families - Björklund, Hamberg and Jalilian - who together have created a place for both rest and experiences. The hotel has 37 rooms, a stylish spa and a rooftop terrace with a rooftop bar and views of Lake Mälaren.

You can now vote for "Destination Sweden 2025"

"Destination Sweden of the Year" awarded at the fair Scandinavian Caravan Show and recognises a Swedish destination where there is a lot to see and experience - and where you also feel welcome with a motorhome or other camping vehicle. Previous winners of the award are: Glasriket/Kosta (2022), Gränna (2023) and Höga Kusten (2024). Who will win in 2025? Contribute to the result by voting here (Elmia website)!

The award will be presented at the fair on 10-14 September 2025, when there will also be many lectures. You can listen to us (travelling in Europe, France, Italy...) and to Jikitas on Adventure who talks about realising dreams before it's too late.

reflection of the week

Isn't it refreshing to have some April Fool's jokes? There's so much seriousness in the world, so a bit of humour is nice and relaxing, we think. What do you reckon?

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the New driving licence class, bubble list and bathroom fever

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