Record-Breaking Summer as Visitor Numbers rise

The Northern Norway Tourism Board is thrilled to announce a record-breaking summer for the region, with a remarkable 2.3 million overnight stays recorded between June and August 2024. Among these, 1.1 million were international visitors, representing a 9 percent increase in international traffic compared to the previous year, reflecting the region's growing popularity among foreign travellers.

Tourism has seen significant growth in central international markets such as Germany, Sweden, the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom. In August alone, Northern Norway experienced an 11 percent increase in hotel stays compared to August 2023, underscoring the growing interest from international visitors.

– We are happy to report that this summer has been our best ever. This positive trend highlights the continued appeal of the region’s unique offerings to travellers from around the world, and the introduction of new airline routes has significantly improved accessibility, says Siw Sandvik, Leader of Communication and Marketing at the Northern Norway Tourism Board.

– Our varied landscapes, vibrant local culture, and unique nature experiences continue to attract international visitors, and shows that Northern Norway is an attractive destination for people looking for genuine experiences and beautiful Arctic scenery, she says.

Bodø Leads Tourism Growth as European Capital of Culture
Bodø has recorded a remarkable increase of 42 percent in foreign layovers compared to last year, strengthening its position as a top destination in Northern Norway. This rise can be attributed in part to Bodø being named the European Capital of Culture, attracting visitors from far and wide. The city’s status has had a significantly positive impact, not only boosting its profile but also benefiting the entire region. Additionally, Vesterålen and Narvik have also experienced impressive growth, with foreign overnight stays increasing by 31 percent from the previous year.

Northern Norway’s outstanding performance further underscores its appeal, topping the national growth rates.
– It is pleasing to note that both foreign and domestic traffic have increased across most places in the region, Sandvik states.

Since 2020, the development in foreign traffic has been exceptional, with an astonishing growth rate of 554 percent. These figures reflect the lasting appeal of Norway's northern regions and the rich cultural landscape that attracts visitors year after year.