It was Monday again, which of course means travel news here at FREEDOMtravel. This week there were far more press releases. Stay tuned!
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Increased interest in active holidays
In recent years, interest in active holidays has increased in the Nordic countries. A survey conducted by Kairos Future shows that interest in active holidays has increased by 24% in the Nordic Region during the pandemic. This is a trend that indicates that more and more people want to engage in activities on holiday. TUI writes this in a press release. Top 4 activity holidays Swedes are googling right now:
- Padel
- Yoga
- Bicycle
- Tennis
TUI to launch package holidays to the Alps
TUI is greatly expanding its offer and launching ski holidays to the Alps. First up are trips to the French and Italian Alps. After that, trips to Austria will be launched and then further news will be rolled out during the year. The trips will be bookable later in the summer. Ski holidays with TUI always include flights, accommodation and transfers. Initially, over ten destinations and more than thirty hotels will be bookable for Nordic customers. Destinations:
- French Alps: Avoriaz, Chamonix, Tignes, Val Thorens, Val d'Isère
- Italian Alps: Cervinia, Courmayeur, La Thuile, Sauce d'Oulx, Sestriere
Stockholm has again been ranked top 5 in a global quality of life survey.
Monocle conducts an annual quality of life survey to list the world's 25 most forward-thinking, safe, simple, sustainable and inspiring cities. Analyses from correspondents are combined with data on crime, employment and income inequality. This year, the Stockholm in fifth place, down from fourth place last year. Monocle's editors particularly liked the fact that Stockholm has become more international and that the city has taken action on electric scooters. Here are the top five cities according to the survey:
- Copenhagen
- Zurich
- Lisbon
- Helsinki
- Stockholm
Time for sand sculpture festival in Kalmar
On 4-8 July, the annual sand sculpture festival takes place in squid. In total, seven amazing sand sculptures will be created at Kalmarsundsbadet. Seven teams of artists from different parts of Europe will participate and will start their work on 4 July. Voting will be held on the event's Facebook page, and this year there is also an artistic jury to select the winner. Both winners will be announced on 8 August.
Can the pandemic's outdoor interest be developed to strengthen rural areas?
How can the renewed interest in outdoor life during the pandemic be maintained and at the same time developed to strengthen rural areas? An interdisciplinary research team from Kristianstad University College will look into this over the next three years. The hope is to find useful models for future challenges and social disruptions. The project is called "Outdoor recreation, hospitality, and rural development: From Covid-19 to sustainable futures" and is funded by the Kamprad Family Foundation.
Funäsfjällen, Lofsdalen and Vemdalen once again join the call to keep "Fjällen Forever"
Destination Funäsfjällen, Destination Lofsdalen and Destination Vemdalen are joining forces for the second year in a row with the call "Fjällen Forever". A sustainability initiative aimed at getting mountain visitors to make a digital promise to take care of the mountains. Through the pledge to "leave nature in the condition you found it, do not disturb the wildlife, always keep your dog on a leash in the mountains and that everything that goes out, comes home", guests can for the second summer in a row make a digital pledge for the future of the mountains at fjallenforever.se.
Gotland voted Sweden's best summer destination
Gotland is Sweden's best summer destination, according to a Sifo survey conducted by motorhome and caravan dealer Forsbergs Fritidscenter. The survey was conducted in Kantar Sifo's web panel and a total of 1145 people aged 18-79 were interviewed. Here is the top 5 list:
- Gotland
- Stockholm archipelago
- Österlen
- Bohuslän archipelago
- Öland
Reflection of the week
Active holidays, outdoor life and sustainability seem to be the focus right now. And of course it is positive to find sustainable ways of holidaying. There's even going to be research, which is a good thing!
Did you miss last week's travel news? Read the Train journeys to Germany and a world record for birthday coffee.
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Monica says:
I do wonder how these surveys are conducted and how the target groups are selected. I doubt that there are very many in the older age group. It is actually at a certain age that most people are interested in, have the capacity for and benefit from "active" holidays. Usually in mid-life and with accompanying children. Those of us who have passed the "hiking, cycling, climbing, canoeing, kayaking and shivering in tents" period are even more numerous. Many (but by no means all) have reasonably good finances and have waited a long time to "travel" after retirement. Listen to what all Triss winners say!
While there are themed coach trips, art tours and cruises where you're expected to meet blue-haired American women, a large number of us are actually self-sufficient, able to travel by plane, car and camper van to interesting places WITHOUT being focused on immediate physical activities, and would rather have a drink by the pool before dinner than spend time climbing mountains.
It would be interesting to have a themed issue (or another form) aimed at those of us who are still reasonably mobile but don't think it's worth spending time and money on either spas or skydiving. Instead, it's a good mix of "walking slowly through the city", visits to vineyards, beautiful churches, views where you drive yourself, a day trip by boat or an interesting museum or art exhibition. Preferably quirky and without tourists, which can actually be organised.
Then, of course, it's great to see your reports on hell sculptures and I'm glad you're doing it and walking on suspension bridges for us!
04 July 2022 - 14:13
Helena says:
Good reflection! I think many people prefer to holiday as you describe! The fact that something increases a certain percentage does not necessarily mean that the absolute number is so large.
We think we focus more on what you describe. We also like sights, good food, nice excursions, etc. Then we may do the occasional more adventurous activity, but it's probably not the most common for us 😉.
04 July 2022 - 16:24
BP says:
Package tours to the Alps must be a favourite again. I mean in the 1908s and 1990s it was "only" package holidays that applied if you wanted to ski in the Alps. Glad that old-fashioned charter is back;-)
Then I'm a bit surprised that Öland only comes in fifth place in the choice of summer destination.
04 July 2022 - 19:16