There are many indications that the government’s call for a Norwegian holiday has been taken seriously.
First became the holiday homes, and especially the more expensive ones, were torn away from the market. There has also been a huge demand for bobil and boat.
– Everything that characterizes a Norwegian holiday has had a huge increase in demand with us. There have been quite wild conditions on the factors that show that Norwegians should be in Norway, says commercial director Terje Berge in Finn reis.
While hotel holidays in Norway have previously been something we can take a little more for granted, a number of destinations are already fully booked this year.
If you are going where “everyone” wants, Berge believes that this is not the time to sit on the fence.
Still perceived as a risk
– RISK: Behavioral psychologist Ida Kopperstad in Mindshift believes that many people still find it risky to book a holiday abroad. Photo: Privar
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Despite the corona certificate, that many have been vaccinated and an ever-improving infection situation at home and in Europe, Norwegians are planning a Norwegian holiday again this year.
Behavioral psychologist Ida Kopperstad in Mindshift believes that it is about security and predictability.
– The summer holidays are approaching, and much is still uncertain with regard to holidays abroad. Therefore, many have already decided to holiday in Norway, even though it may open up more holiday opportunities. It is perceived as the safest, she says.
The pandemic has generally been marked by many major and sudden changes.
– We have really been shown how flexible and adaptable we can be, but it is also tiring to stand in the unpredictable, says Kopperstad.
Therefore, she believes that most people want a summer holiday characterized by more predictability.
– It is probably still perceived as a risk to travel abroad. It is also very demanding to keep track of how the rules are in the various countries, and therefore most people will probably go for the nice, safe Norwegian holiday this year as well, says Kopperstad.
It gives hope to Norwegian tourism companies, which had a very challenging financial year last year.
– SUMMER: Viewpoint on the climbing path Via Ferrata Loen with a view of Lodalen and Lovatnet in Stryn. Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2
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Here «everyone» wants
Bookings for Norwegian hotels have increased by 20 percent this year compared to last year, according to Finn.no.
When it comes to hotel holidays in Norway, there is one particular pattern that is repeated.
– There is always the most volume in the largest cities. In addition, there are also a number of hotels that are “pearls” that many want to holiday in, says Terje Berge in Finn.
Oslo has by far the most bookings so far. Bergen and Trondheim also stand out as favorites.
– HOTEL: Commercial director Terje Berge in Finn reis says that far more people book stays at hotels. Photo: Private
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If you are planning a holiday in the largest cities in Norway, Berge believes that it is not as urgent to book.
It is the more unique hotels that are or are starting to get full.
– There is still a lot of vacancy in the larger cities, and it will probably also be during the summer. Most people still book a short time in advance on these. At the same time, there are a number of destination hotels that are already full now, he says.
Tourists in their own country
Virke also experiences that more than ever before say that they will use hotels and other accommodation options in Norway this summer.
– Before the pandemic, we traveled a lot to visit each other. Now there are far more people who want to be tourists in their own country by staying in hotels or other accommodation options. This is good news for a hard-pressed tourism industry, which can not expect much foreign tourists this year either, says Astrid Bergmål, who is the leader in Virke tourism.
She points out that the whole of Vestland county has sailed up as a holiday favorite with Norwegians.
– DEMAND: Astrid Bergmål in Virke is happy that the tourism industry is experiencing greater demand for accommodation among Norwegians. Photo: Virke
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– In the popular tourist places, a lot has already been booked, but there are still many places that you can still get, says Bergmål, who encourages people to travel more off the beaten track.
While the joint holiday in Norway is in July, a normal summer for the Norwegian tourism industry usually lasts from May to September. Without foreign tourists, it can therefore be easier to hijack the dream destination if you are a little more flexible.
– If you have the opportunity to spend the holiday before or after July, then a lot is available, so it is a good tip for those who have the opportunity to do so, she says.
– Although hotel holidays are popular in the big cities, many people are also looking for a holiday close to well-known natural destinations. Here from Sunnmøre. Photo: Kåre Breivik / TV2
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Norwegians want luxury
While it is often the more expensive hotels, which are quickly fully booked, Berge believes that it can open up for bargains at the more affordable ones.
– Staying in a hotel this summer can be quite affordable, as it is the destination hotels, which are more expensive, which will be fully booked faster, he says.
Kristiansand also stands out as Norway’s favorite destination this year.
The zoo in Kristiansand has, among other things, experienced an insane increase and a huge advance sale, says Berge.
– Then it also drips on Kristiansand’s hotels as well, he says.
TV 2 has previously written that Thon Hotell in Lofoten is fully booked for the whole summer.
Otherwise, Dr. Holms Hotel in Geilo is also a classic.
– This hotel is always popular and is fully booked during all public holidays, he says.
We travel where others are
Last year, many wanted to go to Romsdals- or Besseggen, Dronningstien and Preikestolen, which are popular nature destinations.
The hotels were also quickly booked up along the coasts of Sørlandet and Vestlandet, which are associated with summer and sun.
What became the most popular destinations then, will in all probability also be the most popular this year.
– We are greatly affected by what others do. Not necessarily because we want the same thing, but because it increases availability. If everyone posts pictures from Lofoten, we will go there because we know about it, says Kopperstad.
The most accessible destinations are those you have already read about or heard of.
– It was comical when I was in Lofoten last year. Meeting so many celebrities by chance on a desert island is probably something that will be typical of the summer of 2020 and 2021, says behavioral psychology.
While we could previously travel abroad with a “guarantee” of fine weather, the Norwegian holiday has probably also made Norwegians more flexible.
– I experience that people are more flexible and travel a little for the weather. When we plan for Norway holidays, we must take into account the Norwegian climate, says Kopperstad.
– NATURE: Tent by Strynevatnet at Mindresunde Camping last year. Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2
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Has come to stay
When the world opens up, many will probably return to the habit of spending part of their holiday abroad.
At the same time, the behavioral psychologist believes that these two years have changed us, and that we have probably developed a more positive attitude towards holidays in Norway.
– Before when we thought of holidays, many thought of “the south” or trips abroad. Now Norgesferie has also become normal behavior. I believe that Norway will be a common alternative to where to spend the holidays in the years to come, says Kopperstad.
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