New Analysis Reveals Significant Need for More Hotel Rooms in Skaraborg by 2030

A recent study conducted by Skaraborg Municipal Association, in collaboration with tourism organizations in Skaraborg and the West Sweden Tourist Board, has uncovered a pressing need for increased hotel capacity in the Skaraborg region. The analysis, completed in spring 2024, indicates that Skaraborg needs to add 500 hotel rooms or 1,000 guest beds by 2030 to meet growing demand.

The projected growth rate is calculated at 5.5% per year until 2030, a significant increase from the previous growth rate of 2.8% (2014-2023). This expansion represents over a 20% increase from the current capacity of nearly 2,300 rooms across 68 hotels in Skaraborg. Based on the average hotel size in the region of 33 rooms, this equates to approximately 15 new hotels.

“The growth occurring in Skaraborg is evident. It’s good to confirm that we need more hotels and hotel rooms. Now we are intensifying our joint efforts to attract more hotel establishments,” says Theres Sahlström, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Skaraborg Municipal Association.

Driving Factors for Increased Demand

The rising demand for hotel rooms is primarily driven by major development projects and business establishments in several Skaraborg municipalities. The need for additional rooms is expected to continue beyond 2030, with projections indicating a further requirement of 300 hotel rooms or 600 guest beds by 2035.

“Increased understanding of the need for hotels is one of several important aspects we are collectively working on to meet the green transition of industry and upcoming business establishments and expansions in Skaraborg,” says Frida Karlge, Head of Transition Skaraborg at Skaraborg Municipal Association.

Untapped Potential in the Private Travel Market

The analysis reveals an untapped potential in the private travel market for Skaraborg. The region’s wide range of attractions, points of interest, and accessible nature experiences provide a solid foundation for the private segment. There are opportunities to scale up with several development projects, both for existing and new attractions, to further develop and increase tourism.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

Hotels in Skaraborg have the potential to serve a large catchment area due to the region’s advantageous geographical location and good infrastructure. This positioning allows for the possibility of capturing hotel guests in transit.

“Skaraborg needs to continue working actively to create conditions for additional hotel establishments. It is important to be able to meet the development taking place in the business community in Skaraborg and also to develop the private market,” say Mats Olsson, CEO of Next Skövde and Anna Ohlin Ek, CEO of Destination Läckö-Kinnekulle in unison. They continue: “An important first step now will be to have conversations with our existing hotels in Skaraborg so that they can take advantage of the opportunity to develop their operations.”

This comprehensive analysis underscores the need for strategic planning and investment in Skaraborg’s hospitality sector to support the region’s growth and tourism potential.

For more information about tourism in Skaraborg, visit Upplev Skaraborg.

Source: Next Skövde Press Release