Travel news: Gdansk rocket, camping records and bleisure

By: Editorial Office | Source: press material

It was Monday again and the first month of autumn is here. We are still rolling in the camper and are slowly moving towards the Elmia Husvagn Husbil trade fair in Jönköping. Maybe we'll see you there? First: Time for travel news!

Malaga was the most booked travel destination this summer – Gdansk increased the most

Spanish holiday favorites continue to dominate when travel agency Ticket summarizes summer travel. According to the travel agency's booking statistics, Malaga retained first place, followed by Alicante and Mallorca. In addition, 28 percent more people traveled to both Malaga and Alicante compared to the previous summer.

The biggest change on this year's top list was Gdansk The Polish coastal city is new to the top ten most booked destinations and jumps straight into seventh place, after the number of travellers travelling there increased by 97 percent compared to the previous summer. Summer's 10 most booked destinations

1. Malaga
2. Alicante
3. Majorca
4. London
5. Barcelona
6. Split
7. Gdansk
8. Nice
9. Rome
10. Crete

Record summer for Swedish camping

Swedish camping continues to grow. During the period June to August, the number of overnight stays at the First Camp chain's Swedish destinations increased by 4 percent compared to the previous year. At the same time, total revenue, including restaurants, shops and activities at the campsites, increased by 11 percent.

Both Swedish and foreign guests contribute to the increase. Norway is still the Swedish camping industry's most important international guest market. Increase compared to the previous year in the number of property nights in Sweden:

• Swedish guests: +2 percent
• Norwegian guests: +13 percent
• Danish guests: +13 percent
• Other guest nationalities: +1 percent

Increased travel on the Inlandsbanan

The summer on the Inlandsbanan has been characterized by stable traffic, high customer satisfaction and increased travel. The number of trips increased by around 10 percent compared to the previous year and the corresponding traffic period, even though this year's season was somewhat shorter due to planned track work.

Swedes divided over holiday freedom

What is freedom on vacation? Being able to travel further when the mood strikes, or having a safe base to return to? A new attitude survey from the Swedish Motorhome and Caravan Industry Association, HRF, shows that Swedes are almost completely divided. 47 percent like to travel around and visit several places, while 49 percent prefer to start from one place and make day trips.

At the same time, motorhome owners are significantly more mobile than caravan owners. In two camping surveys, 87–88 percent of motorhome owners stated that they travel around and 72–73 percent that they stay at at least five different campsites during the year. But many caravan owners also move, which nuances the image of the caravan as a residence that stays at the same campsite all season.

Affordable travel destinations in September

September means late summer in many parts of Europe – and for those who want
Extend the summer, there are several affordable travel destinations to discover. New data from hotel and travel search site momondo shows five destinations where flight prices from Stockholm in September are up to 27 percent lower than the average for the next five months.

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Malaga, Spain
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Alicante, Spain
• Antalya, Turkey

Continued rise for motorhomes – the industry is gearing up for Elmia

August's registration figures show a continued strong trend for motorhomes. During the first eight months of the year, new registrations increased by 50.4 percent compared to the same period last year. At the same time, caravans are 4.6 percent below last year's level. The statistics are still affected by previous regulatory registrations.

The industry is now gearing up for Elmia Husvagn Husbil on September 9–13. The Nordic region's largest trade fair for mobile living gives visitors the opportunity to discover new models, technology, accessories and inspiration for upcoming trips.

More Swedes travel for work than before the pandemic

Business travel is back on track. According to Hotels.com's new report Booked for Business 37 percent of Swedes say they travel more for work now than before the pandemic. On average, business travelers spend 12 nights a year on business trips, with September and April being the most intense travel months.

At the same time, the line between business travel and vacation is becoming increasingly blurred. 44 percent say that the best destinations for business travel are those where it is easy to combine work with leisure, so-called ”bleisure.”.

London, Berlin and Amsterdam top the list of destinations. When it comes to hotel perks, free breakfast is also the most popular, ahead of both early check-in and loyalty benefits.

Did you miss the last travel news? Read the Bragging rights, SoMe pressure and human towers