Norwegian tourism affected by financial crisis

The effects of the financial crisis in Europe can be seen in the recent decline of visitors to Norway. Foreign tourists find Norway expensive, while Norwegians buy cheap trips abroad.

The travel and tourism industry reports that tourists have less money to spend, and make different priorities.

"If the situation in Europe doesn’t change, and more countries enter a crisis, the travel and tourism industry will face a very tough time ahead," said Geir Steinar Vik, manager of Destination Ålesund and Sunnmøre.

The crisis also affects Norwegians’ travel choices, as more people choose to go abroad because of of the cheap Euro and lucrative travel deals. The result is that Norwegian tourism suffers both in the Norwegian and European markets.

Although Norwegian nature and the outdoors, like the Geiranger Fjord, are very appealing to visitors, it is also a very long and pricey distance to travel. "It has become more and more difficult to attract tourists out in the districts " Vik explains. "Tourists often want to be able to combine both nature and urban areas."

In the future, Vik thinks that targeted marketing will become increasingly important in order to attract travelers. That, and a more stable currency.

(NRK)

Written by Julie Ryland

Saturday, 05 November 2011 07:36