By: Editorial Office | Source: press material
New year... but old traditions! In other words: as usual on Mondays, we're running travel news. We've checked out the very first (and last) press releases of the year in travel, camping and tourism. Here you'll find the first travel news of the year, in the form of short notes!
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Sharp increase in newly registered motorhomes in 2025
The Swedish Caravan and Motorhome Association (HRF) reports that new registrations of motorhomes increased significantly in 2025, while new registrations of caravans decreased. In 2025, a total of 5,638 mobile homes were registered in Sweden, compared with a total of 4,576 in 2024. The increase is due to a growing interest in motorhomes in particular.
- Motorhome registrations in 2025: 4,200 motorhomes, compared to 2,877 the year before. Increase: 45.99 %
- Caravan registrations in 2025: 1,438 caravans, compared to 1,701 the previous year. Decrease: -15.46 %
Where Swedes will travel in 2026
Interest in travel for 2026 continues to grow. Spain retains its top spot as the most booked country for 2026 according to Ticket's top list, and the number of bookings there has so far increased by 17 per cent compared to last year. Other European countries that are increasing are Italy (+69 per cent), Portugal (+89 per cent) and United Kingdom (+30 per cent).
One of the most notable changes for 2026 is Japan's entry as a newcomer to the top list. This means that Cyprus, despite growth of 36 per cent, falls out of the top ten.
USA stands out as the only country in the top ten where bookings are declining, with a drop of just over 21 per cent. At the same time, this summer's World Cup could help to steer developments in a more positive direction.
Countries – top 10
- Spain
- Thailand
- Italy
- Greece
- United Kingdom
- USA
- France
- Portugal
- Germany
- Japan
Destinations – top 10
- Gran Canaria
- Bangkok
- Malaga
- Alicante
- Phuket
- Barcelona
- Tenerife
- London
- Majorca
- Rome
New destination hotel opens in Trelleborg
Willow is established as a new destination in Sweden's southernmost city Trelleborg, with a focus on relaxation, socialising and uncompromising quality in craftsmanship and service. With a spa and wellness centre, three restaurants, a sky bar, meeting areas and 110 rooms, the hotel strengthens the chain's offering in the Scandinavian market. The hotel opens in June, but bookings can already be made.
TUI launches direct flights to Fuerteventura in winter 2026
In winter 2026, travel company TUI will launch a new direct route to Fuerteventura with TUIfly Nordic from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. Previously, TUI has offered trips to Fuerteventura with scheduled flights and stopovers. The new direct route will now make it quicker and easier to get to the island, which is known for its miles of sandy beaches, clear blue waters and relaxed atmosphere.
Reflection of the week
There are rarely any major changes in Swedes' most popular travel destinations. However, more people choosing Japan seems to be a clear trend that has been going on for a while now. One explanation is, of course, that there are now direct flights. Another may be that interest in the United States has declined and people are looking for other long-haul destinations. Have you been to Japan, or are you curious about it?
Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Around Sweden – new hotels and experiences in 2026
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English (UK) 
Svenska
Monnah says:
I'm not longing to go to Japan, but if we do end up going to Australia/New Zealand at some point, it would be interesting to visit Japan at the same time. Or perhaps that would be too much?
It feels very natural that interest in the US has cooled, considering everything that is happening around Trump. I mean, he has gone completely bonkers. I miss my ”second home,” the one I remember.
Thank you for this summary!
5 January 2026 - 8:06
Ditte says:
Japan is definitely on our wish list. And we're thinking of staying for a month so we can travel around a bit by train and take it easy. We want to take in everything we experience and have plenty of time.
It's great that six out of ten destinations in Spain top the list. As for Tur and Fuerteventura, they are behind some other travel agencies that have long had direct charter flights here. But it's great that they want to give it a try.
It is completely understandable that the United States is less popular now. And there are so many other countries to visit that have both an ancient culture and ancient history. I lived here in my younger days and travelled around a lot, even in a motorhome. It is very pleasant in itself, and there is a lot that is pleasant.
5 January 2026 - 13:47
Mikael says:
I think motorhomes are a superb way to travel. You've seen ”At least we were lucky with the weather 2".
Take care now.
5 January 2026 - 17:31
BP says:
No wonder interest in travelling to the United States has declined. It is unlikely to recover as long as the current president remains in power. As for the World Cup, it all depends on whether Sweden qualifies. If not, it is unlikely that many more Swedes will travel there.
5 January 2026 - 17:42
emolis says:
I've been to Japan before, but I'm going back in March to hike Kumano Kudo, stay in a Buddhist temple and hopefully see the cherry blossoms in Osaka. I'm taking the opportunity to stay in Seoul for a few days on the way home. I'm really looking forward to the trip. It's a rematch of the Japan trip I booked in March 2020 that never happened.
5 January 2026 - 18:55