Sweden's top sights named for tourism prize

Astrid Lindgren's World, Junibacken, Fotografiska, Stockholm Adventures and Kungsleden are among those nominated for this year's TRIP Global Award for the "best experience in Sweden".The TRIP Global Award is arranged by the Swedish Travel and Tourist Industry Federation (Rese- och Turistnäringen i Sverige - RTS) and attractions are nominated by a jury of international travel agents from a slew of countries.
"It is fun to see such variation in the nominations... We can also conclude that tourist destinations based on unique Swedish culture, tradition and nature, make a strong contribution to Sweden's attraction as a tourist destination," said Jan Lundin of RTS in a statement.
The list of nominations is completed by Selma Spa near Karlstad, Kosta Boda Art Hotel in Småland, and Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm.
"We are very proud over this nomination," Skansen head John Brattmyhr said in a statement, adding that it is an indication of Skansen's status as one of Sweden's leading attractions.
The selection has been made by around 30 travel operators in eight key foreign tourist markets: Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Italy, France, the UK and Russia.
The Swedish tourism industry meanwhile continues to grow. According to the federation's projections the number of visitors arriving on holiday will increase by 80 percent by 2020.
"To meet this challenge it is important for us to know which type of attractions our foreign guests would like to visit. Through our award we can highlight internationally successful experiences in Sweden, which can serve as models for other actors," Jan Lundin said.
The TRIP Global Award will be handed out during the Swedish Travel and Tourism Gala in Stockholm on October 20th.
Previous winners of the award have included the Göta Canal company, Stockholm's Vasa Museum and the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden.

Source: Peter Vinthagen Simpson, The Local – Sweden’s News on English, July 2011