Norwegians went to camping sites and holiday dwellings in September

Figures from the accommodation statistics show there were approximately 1.8 million guest nights at commercial accommodation establishments in September this year. This was almost 1 million fewer than in September last year. Norwegian guest nights declined by 20 per cent, while foreign guest nights declined by 73 per cent. Norwegian guest nights increased by 11 per cent at camping sites and 32 per cent at holiday dwellings and youth hostels.

- Norwegians love to travel, and we have during this pandemic seen that holiday dwellings and camping sites, where people can be together in small groups are popular destinations, says Kristin Aasestad, advisor at Statistics Norway.

Restrictions to slow down the spread of the pandemic in September were particularly linked to travel from foreign countries and social distancing, this is evident in the figures from September.

Regional differences

In September, as we have seen in previous months, there are regional differences to how the pandemic affects the industry. Agder had an increase in total guest nights compared to September last year, while all the other counties declined. The decline was particularly evident in Oslo, Vestland, Viken, and Svalbard.

Hotels still affected

There were 1.3 million guest nights at Norwegian hotels in September 2020. This was 42 per cent lower compared to September 2019. September is a month with a traditionally high level of guests traveling for business, and in September the decline for travellers with business as a purpose declined as much as a holiday purpose.