Travel and tourism in Sweden - statistics & facts
From vibrant city life to snow-covered mountain ranges, Sweden has become a popular travel destination, with international tourist arrival numbers rising to over 6.8 million in 2024. The number of arrivals is expected to steadily grow from 2024 to 2029, with a projected 1.1-million increase. Moreover, Sweden has emerged as the second-leading travel destination in the Nordic region, with one-fourth of all inbound tourists staying in the country in 2023. With its vast landscape and varying climate, Sweden attracts a wide array of travelers seeking to explore cultural events, enjoy cross-country skiing, or hike through old-growth forests of the north.
Furthermore, the accommodation industry's resilience is signified by the peak revenue of over five billion Swedish kronor recorded in August 2024, representing a substantial growth of over three billion kronor compared to the same month in 2020. The accommodation sector has proved adaptable and has seen a positive development since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Swedish tourists spent an estimate of 165 billion Swedish kronor on outbound travel in 2023. As the travel industry adapts to changing economic conditions, about one-third of Swedes plan to travel less than they did previously due to current social or economic circumstances. More than half intend to maintain their travel frequency, while 28 percent of those would opt for more budget-friendly options. Despite these changes, the expenditure for outbound travel is expected to reach around 240 billion Swedish kronor in 2033, suggesting that the travel frequency will likely remain stable or grow in the coming years.
Sweden attracts travelers with its diverse landscapes, from the northern lights in Lapland to its calm coastal archipelagos, along with its rich history and modern cultural charm. Whether discovering lively cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg or escaping to the countryside, tourism in Sweden encompasses both urban and natural experiences.
Accommodation landscape
The Swedish accommodation sector experiences notable seasonal fluctuations, with August typically seeing the highest number of operational establishments. The summers demonstrate around 1,000 camping grounds, which significantly decreases in the winter months. Hotels consistently form the largest segment of the accommodation market throughout the year. The average number of hotels reached 1,973, contributing significantly to the total of approximately 3,642 accommodation establishments in 2024. Despite the hotel market being the dominant accommodation form in Sweden, there were nearly 17 million recorded overnight stays on camping sites.Furthermore, the accommodation industry's resilience is signified by the peak revenue of over five billion Swedish kronor recorded in August 2024, representing a substantial growth of over three billion kronor compared to the same month in 2020. The accommodation sector has proved adaptable and has seen a positive development since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Swedes on outbound tourism
Spain emerged as the most popular international destination for Swedish tourists, attracting nearly 2.2 million trips in 2023. Denmark followed as the second-most visited country. When it comes to reaching these destinations, air travel dominates, with almost six out of ten Swedish travelers choosing to fly. Cars, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes were the second-most common mode of transport.Swedish tourists spent an estimate of 165 billion Swedish kronor on outbound travel in 2023. As the travel industry adapts to changing economic conditions, about one-third of Swedes plan to travel less than they did previously due to current social or economic circumstances. More than half intend to maintain their travel frequency, while 28 percent of those would opt for more budget-friendly options. Despite these changes, the expenditure for outbound travel is expected to reach around 240 billion Swedish kronor in 2033, suggesting that the travel frequency will likely remain stable or grow in the coming years.
Sweden attracts travelers with its diverse landscapes, from the northern lights in Lapland to its calm coastal archipelagos, along with its rich history and modern cultural charm. Whether discovering lively cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg or escaping to the countryside, tourism in Sweden encompasses both urban and natural experiences.
