No corona effect on guest nights in February

Figures from the accommodation statistics show that guest nights at commercial accommodation establishments in Norway increased by 13 per cent compared to February last year (2020 is a leap year and February had one more day compared to 2019). Both Norwegian and foreign guest nights increased.

Norwegian authorities introduced guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19 on 12 March, and the global restrictions came to full effect in March. Norwegian guest nights were not yet affected by the global pandemic in February. The effects of the pandemic and the restriction guidelines on accommodation establishments will be visible from March.

Increase at hotels

There were a little over 1.8 million guest nights at hotels in Norway during February, an increase by 191 000 compared to the same month last year. Both Norwegian and foreign guest nights increased by about 12 per cent.

Despite the total increase in foreign guest nights at hotels, there was a decrease in guest nights from Asia. Chinese guest nights dropped by about a half together with other countries in Asia who declined slightly.

Holiday dwellings and youth hostels

• 240 000 guest nights in February 2020
• 49 200 more than in February 2019
• Norwegian guest nights increased by 19 700
• Foreign guest nights increased by 29 500

Increase at camping sites

• 142 600 guest nights in February 2020
• 14 000 more than in February 2019
• Norwegian guest nights increased by 12 700
• Foreign guest nights increased by 1 300