Sweden is eyeing 22 per cent growth in Indian travellers visiting the Scandinavian country in 2016, and is mainly focusing on experienced travellers, who have taken or take at least two trips abroad every year, a Swedish official said.
"Both business and leisure travel has increased in the last few years. In 2014, we had 1,55,203 bed nights spent by Indian travellers, which was an increase of 22 per cent from the preceding year. We are expecting a continued growth from Indian market in 2016," Swedish Regional Director, Growth and Development, Lotta Thiringer, said here.
She said Indian travellers contributed to 1,57,444 commercial bed nights from January 2015-October 2015, and 2016 is likely to follow the same pattern.
"We have a partnership with VisitNorway and VisitDenmark for our marketing efforts in India to create better impact, as we know that the Indian traveller like to do round-trips and the three Scandinavian countries are a perfect combination," she said.
Sweden is mainly targeting experienced or matured travellers, who frequently travel abroad or take at least two trips abroad every year.
"We are also looking at those travellers, who are curious to discover new places, cultures and cities. Our focus lies on the leisure traveller, mainly from the metros. This year, we went to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, and 2016 will also be the same," she said.
The combination of authentic nature experiences, world-class progressive cities and a friendly, modern, sustainable lifestyle sets Sweden aside as a unique destination, she said.
"As we are still finalising the strategy, the same is yet to be determined for India. Sweden has a lot to offer - we are blessed with a lot of natural beauty with a long and fascinating coastline, dramatic mountains and romantic rolling landscapes, along with the strikingly beautiful and vibrant capital of Stockholm," she said.
In Asia, India is ranked as Sweden's second source market after China.
"India is an important and growing market for us. Given the rapid growth of the market, it might be a bigger market in the future. In long-haul markets such as the US, China and India, our strategy is to work out a Scandinavian platform, a partnership that brings forward the unique combination of Sweden, Norway and Denmark in one trip, as we know that these visitors love to travel around and get more destinations into their vacation," she added.
