According to new figures from the Norwegian accommodation statistics, there were approximately 2.2 million Norwegian and 1 million foreign guest nights at the hotels, camping sites, holiday dwellings and youth hostels in September this year. A large increase in foreign Notice the difference between “guest nights” and “guest”. One guest may have several guest nights. compensated for a decrease in Norwegian guest nights. Compared to September last year, there were 18 000 fewer guest nights from Norway and 135 000 more foreign guest nights at the The numbers refer to hotels, short-term holiday dwellings, camping sites, and youth hostels. .
The number of guest nights at hotels and camping sites increased by 4 and 5.3 percent, respectively, while the number of guest nights at holiday dwellings and youth hostels remained roughly unchanged.
Especially Nordland and Troms, along with Vestland, experienced a tourism boom in September. A record-warm September in Northern Norway and Vestland contributed to increased travel activity in these counties. Additionally, several new accommodation establishments have opened in Troms and Nordland over the past year.
Parts of the increase in Nordland is caused by the fact that some businesses that are included in the sample now were not included in the survey in 2023, even though they were in operation in September2023. Ignoring these businesses, there are still an clear increase from September 2023 to September 2024.
– Never before has Northern Norway recorded tropical temperatures in the autumn. While large parts of Southern Norway reported heavy rain and precipitation, several heat records in Northern Norway and Vestland were broken, which may have encouraged travellers to visit these regions, says advisor Boyd Oyier at Statistics Norway.
Statistics from Statistics Norway on air transport for September show a significant increase in foreign flight arrivals from Europe to Tromsø Airport. At Tromsø Airport, Avinor opened a new international terminal for passengers in September, which has increased the capacity for direct routes to abroad.
– This year, several direct routes from Tromsø to foreign destinations have been opened. Throughout the autumn and winter, a number of new direct routes from Tromsø to abroad are expected. It will be exciting to see the effects of this going forward, says Boyd Oyier.
– Additionally, the Norwegian krone remains weak, and if this continues, it could also contribute to an increase in foreign guest nights, adds Oyier.
Most foreign guests from Europe. Travelers from Asia are on their way back
There were approximately 1 million foreign guest nights at commercial accommodation establishments in September 2024. Over 70 per cent of these were from European countries. The largest increase was from Germany, with over 18 000 more guest nights than in September last year, representing an increase of 10 per cent. An increase in guest nights was also recorded from all the Nordic countries.
The accommodation establishments also registered 94 000 guest nights from Asia. Compared to September last year, this represents an increase of nearly 26 000. Visitors from China contributed the most to this increase, with almost 14 000 more Chinese guest nights than in September last year.
The number of guest nights from Asia has not yet returned to the same level as before the pandemic. In September 2019, there were 127 000 guest nights from Asia, which is 26 per cent higher than September this year.
Increase in accommodation revenue at hotels
September was also a good month for hotels. The hotels reported over 92 000 more guest nights compared to September last year.
Accommodation Are the sales figure for the accommodation activity, not including any breakfast or other extra services, even though they might be included in the price of the stay. Sales are published without any VAT. at Norwegian hotels was at 2.4 billion NOK in September this year. Compared to September 2023, accommodation revenue has increased by nearly 11 per cent, while the number of hotel guest nights has risen by 4 per cent.
– Many hotels report that increased demand combined with higher costs has led to increased accommodation revenue, says Boyd Oyier.
The average price for hotel rooms was 1405 NOK, an increase of 6.4 percent from September last year. Compared to September last year, the price per room has increased the most in Vestfold and Innlandet, where the price rose by 12 and 11 percent, respectively. The highest average room price was in Oslo, with 1620 NOK.