SEE VIDEO INTERVIEW:www.travelmole.tv/watch_vdo.php
SEE VIDEO PRESENTATION:www.travelmole.tv/watch_vdo_preview.php
Following in the footsteps of the Spanish government, Sweden has promised a 50% hike in their tourism budget to make the industry sustainable. The current budget for VisitSweden is to be increased from 100m SKR per annum (US$14.3m) to 150m SKR (US$21.45m).
Talking at the ETC Symposium in Gothenburg last week, Maud Olofsson the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism said that she was extremely pleased with VisitSweden’s progress and saw tourism in Sweden as a route to a green economy.
In her presentation, Mrs Olofsson indicated that tourism to Sweden was increasing, that more and more consumers are demanding sustainable tourism offers and that full time jobs wholly related to tourism now amounted to 160,000 – mare even than the car industry.
Sweden currently holds the presidency of the European Union until 31 December, after the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change. Mrs Olofsson emphasized the necessity of acting fast to engage global warming.
She said that the major dangers the whole world currently faces are climate change and the economic situation – tourism could help address both of these issues.
Sweden for its part was moving toward a eco-efficient economy incorporating climate efficient energy, industrial renewal innovation and competitiveness.
According to the minister, tourism has a major part to play in this process providing new business opportunities, new jobs, as a major green business. Tourism would be a major contributor to sustainable growth.
Valere Tjolle
