Swedish companies and the travel organisation (SRF) announced that the bookings figures have increased by 80 per cent compared to last week. The surge followed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ decision to end the travel advice from October 1.
The restriction had been effective since March 14, 2020, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to the Secretary-General of SRF, Didrik von Seth, a sharp increase in bookings has been noted immediately after the travel advice was announced to be removed from next month.
“The increase in bookings this past weekend is over 80 per cent compared to last week, and the emphasis is on travel a little further away. The Maldives, for example, shows a 250 per cent increase in one of our members,” the Secretary noted.
>> Travelling to Sweden: Current Rules & Restrictions Imposed Due to COVID-19
During the pandemic, due to entry and travel restrictions, booking figures hit rock-bottom. Statistics from Statistics Sweden show that the travel industry has been hit the hardest with declines of up to 90 per cent.
“The industry hopes that the coming winter season will begin to return to fairly normal levels at a number of destinations. Travel is important for jobs, growth and prosperity in many countries, including Sweden,” he added.
According to Statista, tourism in Sweden is expected to increase the country’s GDP to 603 billion Konor by 2028.
However, easing the entry restrictions, thus ending the travel advice, has been possible also due to successful vaccination campaigns implemented throughout Europe and other countries.
Previously, Sweden decided to allow entry for travellers from seven third countries, provided they can present vaccination passports. This means that vaccination passports issued in Albania, Andorra, the Faroe Islands, Israel, Morocco, Monaco and Panama have been recognised by the Swedish authorities, therefore arrivals from these countries can enter Sweden without having to quarantine or get tested upon…