Nature tourism a winner in the wake of the pandemic

The tourism industry is an industry that has been hit very hard by the pandemic. But there is one niche that is predicted to have a very bright future – nature tourism.

– The nature and the lifestyle that we have and live here, what we do when we are free - it is something that is extremely attractive in the world. Our everyday life is someone else's luxury, says Annika Fredriksson, who will become the new acting CEO of Swedish Lapland at the turn of the year.

One of those who attracts the world's city dwellers to Norrbotten is Gunhild Stensmyr, who runs Arthotel Tornedalen in the village of Risudden north of Haparanda.

"The beautiful nature is unbeatable and overwhelming. We forget that, but if you come from a big city like Tokyo, Paris, New York, London or the big cities in Germany, it's something unique," says Gunhild Stensmyr, who has turned old houses that already existed in the village into a hotel.

The tourism industry in general and nature tourism in particular can be very important for the survival of rural areas. It pumps money into small villages and offers exciting jobs for young people.

- People started talking about tourism development in this area in the 90s, when the Råneå River was protected from development. Back then, it was a utopia to say, "Well, now we're generating 40 million kronor in tourism revenue in the Gunnarsby area." But now we're doing it, says Fredrik Broman, who runs Aurora Safari Camp.

This episode of the Let's talk podcast is about trends in tourism and what it could mean for Norrbotten.

Episode 6: Nature tourism a winner in the wake of the pandemic

Episode 6: Nature tourism a winner in the wake of the pandemic (Spotify)