Sales thawin Nordics
Northern Europe is proving “cool” for German visitors as improved exchange rates help the region rid itself of an unwelcome reputation for high prices. Iceland looks like being one of the winners following a dramatic currency devaluation last year.
“The lower exchange rate has definitely had a positive effect,” said David Johannsson, Europe chief of the Iceland tourism Board. The number of German tourists soared by 15% in 2009, with demand jumping for holiday homes.
Sweden had stable visitor numbers fromGermany in 2009, with a 7.6% rise in overnight stays in Stockholm‚ but fewer self-catering bookings. there will be more direct flights fromGermany to Sweden this year. Norway saw German visitors drop one per cent but expects a three per cent rise in 2010. The fjords will be the focus of advertising this year. Finland had a slight fall in 2009 but is aiming to reverse the trend through heavier promotion of activities such as fishing.
Denmark suffered a sharp drop in German tourists owing to competition fromthe German Baltic coast where holiday homes are generally cheaper. Overnight stays declined 10.7%. In response, the country wants to promote alternatives such as trips to Copenhagen and activity holidays.
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Wednesday, 08.09.2010
