STOCKHOLM, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Despite a substantial increase in the number of hotel rooms in Stockholm last year, the demand for more hotels in the Swedish capital continues to develop, due partly to booming foreign tourists, according to Stockholm Hotel Report on Thursday.
The report said that, changed travel habits, a growing middle class in Asia and cheaper flights have contributed to the increase in the proportion of private hotel guests, which is now almost as big as the business segment.
Haymarket City Scandic, Hotel At Six, Hobo Hotel, Downtown Camper City Scandic and Bank Hotel are some of the recent additions to the Stockholm hotel map. Though 1840 rooms were added to Stockholm City only last year, there is a need for more hotels.
"We see a huge increase in visitors from India, China and the United States, partly due to a growing middle class in Asia, but also thanks to the many new direct flights to Stockholm, which has made it easier for international visitors to come here. Over the last six years over 40 new European and 20 new intercontinental direct flights established in Stockholm," said Anna Gissler, CEO of Stockholm Business Region.
"Foreign guests are important to the hotel industry. The percentage of visitors from India and China has risen 411 percent and 214 percent since 2008. The U.S. has also increased significantly, by 110 percent." according to the report.
The Hotel Report 2018 shows that demand will continue to develop at a healthy pace and that there is scope for an additional 1,000 new rooms in the city up until 2022.
"With the hotel report, we want to provide key figures and forecasts to facilitate for potential investors to evaluate Stockholm's hotel market. With 14 million commercial guest nights and Stockholm being one of Europe's fastest growing regions, we are an attractive place to look into. Interest from foreign players is already strong, not only because of the growth rate, but also thanks to Stockholm's position as a creative city with progressive values and innovative tech companies," said Tora Holm, Business Development Manager at Invest Stockholm.
The hotel report was developed on behalf of Invest Stockholm, the official investment promotion agency of Stockholm. The report is published every two years.
