Tuesday, January 23, 2024
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Northern Norway tourism is booming with increased international traffic, new direct flights, and rising popularity in Troms and Finnmark.
Northern Norway has been witnessing a phenomenal rise in global travel interest, with significant growth in passenger numbers and new direct flights to the region. Troms and Finnmark, in particular, are seeing a swift increase in popularity. Avinor, alongside regional tourism partners and airlines, has been instrumental in this development.
Surging Interest in Northern Norway
The Minister of Transport, Jon-Ivar Nygård, shares his delight at the increasing attraction of Northern Norway as a tourist hotspot. He attributes this success to the concerted efforts of various regional groups in crafting enticing tourism products and experiences. The combined efforts of local tourism stakeholders, Avinor, and airlines have led to the opening of several direct routes from European cities to destinations like Tromsø, Bodø, Evenes, and Alta, significantly benefiting the region’s tourism sector.
Tromsø: The Heart of Northern Winter Magic
Tromsø Airport Langnes has been central to the notable rise in international visitors to Northern Norway. Passenger statistics, particularly in winter months, have shown impressive growth. For example, November and December of 2023 saw passenger increases of 74% and 82% respectively, compared to the same period in 2019. This highlights Troms and Finnmark’s, and indeed all of Northern Norway’s, growing appeal as a global destination.
A New Era for Northern Norway’s Tourism
Further demonstrating this growth, new direct connections to other Northern Norway airports like Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes, and Alta Airport have been launched. Abraham Foss, CEO, emphasizes the collective effort behind this achievement, praising the region’s capacity to offer appealing services to international visitors. He expresses pride in Avinor’s role in promoting Northern Norway globally, foreseeing continued enhancements in accessibility and tourism.
Northern Norway’s Wild and Captivating Charm
Aase Marthe Horrigmo, Tourism Director at Innovation Norway, is thrilled by the escalating interest in Northern Norway, including Troms, Finnmark, and the Lofoten Islands. She remarks on the region’s diverse offerings, from thrilling adventures to cultural, historical, and tranquil experiences.
Horrigmo also points out Northern Norway’s unique attractions, such as the Northern Lights, Bodø’s 2024 European Capital of Culture title, exquisite seafood, stunning landscapes, whale watching, and the midnight sun. She highlights the new Frankfurt to Alta direct route as a key development in drawing more international tourists.
New Alta-Frankfurt Route: A Gateway to Adventure
On January 16th, a new direct route between Alta and Frankfurt was announced by Lufthansa, set to commence in December 2024. This marks Alta’s first dedicated international tourism route, signaling a new chapter for Finnmark’s travel sector. Katja Pettersen, Tourism Chief at Visit Alta, recognizes this as a significant breakthrough, enhancing Alta’s global accessibility. Discover Airlines, she notes, is bringing Alta closer to Europe and the broader world.
Overview of International Direct Routes to Northern Norway
Here is a list of new and existing direct routes connecting international destinations to Northern Norway:
- Helsinki to Bodø (Finnair, starting May 2023)
- Paris CDG to Evenes (Air France, June 2024)
- Frankfurt to Evenes (Discover Airlines, May 2024)
- Palma de Mallorca to Evenes (Norwegian, May 2024)
- Amsterdam to Tromsø (Transavia, December 2023)
- Stockholm to Tromsø (SAS)
- Berlin to Tromsø (Eurowings, December 2023; Norwegian, January 2024)
- Milano Bergamo to Tromsø (Norwegian, January 2024)
- Paris CDG to Tromsø (Air France, December 2022; Norwegian, January 2024)
- Copenhagen to Tromsø (Norwegian, October 2023; SAS)
- Dusseldorf to Tromsø (Eurowings, December 2021)
- Frankfurt to Tromsø (Lufthansa)
- Gdansk to Tromsø (Wizz Air)
- Hamburg to Tromsø (Eurowings, December 2023)
- Helsinki to Tromsø (Finnair)
- London Gatwick to Tromsø (Norwegian)
- London Luton to Tromsø (Wizz Air)
- Munich to Tromsø (Lufthansa)
- Rovaniemi to Tromsø (Finnair, December 2023)
- Vienna to Tromsø (Austrian, December 2022)
- Zurich to Tromsø (Edelweiss Air; Zurich to Evenes, Edelweiss Air)
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