The last phase of the reopening of tourism and the introduction of the European corona pass make it possible to travel more freely across the Kattegat between Denmark and Sweden. Therefore, more tourists are now looking towards the neighboring country when the summer holidays are in sight. This trend leaves clear traces in Stena Line's bookings on the route between Grenaa and Halmstad, which increased 135% in July and on the route between Frederikshavn and Gothenburg, which increased 50% in July.

“We see a direct effect in line with the easing of travel restrictions. It is quite clear that fewer restrictions mean more passengers. In July, we have 50% and 135% more passenger bookings, respectively, than last year, and the trend is currently accelerating. The August figures are currently at the same level as last year, but the pace is going in the right direction. Although the figures can of course not be compared with the time before the corona, it is a very positive development, ”says Julia Kronberg, Travel Commercial Manager Denmark, Stena Line.

With the prospect of even more tourists across the Kattegat over the summer, optimism is spreading ahead of the high season among tourism organizations in both East Jutland and North Jutland.

“It is very positive that the number of bookings is increasing, and we look forward on behalf of the entire tourism industry to welcoming more Swedish tourists to the East Jutland summer country. We experience that the desire to travel is still great, and so is the interest in traveling across the Kattegat. We are confident that Stena Line's new route between Grenaa and Halmstad will contribute positively to tourism both in Djursland and in the entire Aarhus region, ”says Pia Lange, director of VisitAarhus.

“Stena Line's booking figures show that there is an enormous interest among both Danes and Swedes to travel across the Kattegat. It is also our experience that the desire to travel is still great. We are therefore very positive about the summer, and we look forward on behalf of the tourism industry in North Jutland to welcoming even more Swedish tourists again, ”says Tonny Skovsted Thorup, CEO, Destination NORD.

“Sweden is a high-priority market for us, so it is absolutely positive that we will now see many more Swedes in northern Jutland during the summer months. Stena Line is an important operator that connects the regions across the Kattegat, so that the booking numbers only seem to increase, is to the great joy and benefit of the whole of North Jutland, ”says René Zeeberg, director, Turisthus Nord.

Stena Line sails again according to the usual sailing schedule for the high season. The route between Frederikshavn and Gothenburg will be sailed by three ferries, as STENA VINGA will be put back into operation during the summer. That means nearly 80 weekly departures and more than 600 departures until the end of August. The route between Grenaa and Halmstad is sailed by the ferry STENA NAUTICA, which has almost 30 weekly departures and more than 200 departures until the end of August.

The shipping company Stena Line has just launched a major global campaign that welcomes tourists again after many months of restrictions across national borders. The campaign focuses on the fact that through the fresh sea air and freedom on board Stena Line's ferries, you can rediscover the joy of traveling and creating unforgettable memories together.

Continued focus on safety

Safety on board is still a priority, and on Stena Line's ferries, a number of special measures will still apply so that passengers can travel safely on board.

“We have looked forward to more free movement between Denmark and Sweden and to welcoming both Danes and Swedes on board again - of course in a responsible way and with top security. We will always have a strong focus on creating a safe and secure journey for the passengers and will continue with special measures on board, ”says Julia Kronberg.