Stena Line has experienced a solid comeback in 2021 with almost a quarter of a million passengers. The safety of travelers is and will be a top priority for the shipping company, and the increase is much needed on top of last year, when the restrictions of the pandemic led to a decrease in passenger traffic.

It is definitely going in the right direction, even though there is a long way to go before we are back at the "normal" level. The number of passengers this summer is a doubling of the 2020 level, but still only half at the 2019 level. The most important months are clearly July and August, when about half of all our passengers travel with us. Restrictions were eased and vaccinations increased before these crucial months. We are pleased - because it is in a completely natural context with the number of passengers, ”says Julia Kronberg, Travel Commercial Manager Denmark, Stena Line.

The Danes have largely jumped on Stena Line's ferries over the summer, while the Swedes have traveled significantly less. In addition to the relaxed restrictions and vaccinations, Stena Line points to a number of conditions that make it attractive for Danes to travel with them to Sweden.

“The Swedish currency and the beautiful weather have certainly also served as a magnet. With our ferries, we have given the Danes a good opportunity for an affordable trip to Sweden, where they can both bring their own car and feel the sea air and the sun on the journey, ”says Julia Kronberg.

75 percent of the guests travel by car, while 25 percent are landing passengers, a third of whom choose to go on a day trip, where they travel out and home the same day.

Facing a brighter future

Travel from Denmark to Sweden increased by more than 167 percent during July and August this year compared to the same period in 2020. The large increase is mostly in July, but also in August, travel is to a much greater extent than the year before, which indicates a slightly later holiday than usual.

The booking situation for the future ferry traffic is also far better than expected.

“We are happy to have had such a wonderful summer that lived up to our hopes. Right now, the future looks bright for weekend trips and autumn holidays - if nothing else, a clear improvement over last year. We are optimistic about the future, but also very humble. Because if we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that the situation can change very quickly, ”says Julia Kronberg.