New Analysis Reveals Significant Need for More Hotel Rooms in Skaraborg by 2030
A recent analysis conducted by Skaraborg Municipal Association, in collaboration with local tourist organizations and the West Sweden Tourist Board, has unveiled a pressing need for increased hotel capacity in the Skaraborg region. The study projects that Skaraborg will require an additional 500 hotel rooms or 1,000 guest beds by 2030 to meet growing demand.
Key Findings:
- Expected growth rate of 5.5% per year until 2030, up from 2.8% in 2014-2023
- Current capacity: approximately 2,300 rooms across 68 hotels
- Projected increase: over 20% more rooms needed
- Equivalent to 15 new hotels, based on the average size of 33 rooms per hotel in Skaraborg
Theres Sahlström, Chairman of the Board at Skaraborg Municipal Association, stated: The growth occurring in Skaraborg is clear. It’s good to get confirmation that we need more hotels and hotel rooms. Now we are intensifying our joint efforts to attract more hotel establishments.
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 accommodation is expected to continue growing beyond 2030, with an additional 300 hotel rooms or 600 guest beds projected to be necessary by 2035.
Frida Karlge, Head of Transition Skaraborg at Skaraborg Municipal Association, commented: Increased understanding of the need for hotels is one of several important aspects that we are collectively working on to meet the green transition of industry and upcoming business establishments and expansions in Skaraborg.
Untapped Potential in the Private Travel Market
The analysis also highlights an underutilized potential in the private travel market. Skaraborg’s wide range of attractions, points of interest, and accessible nature experiences provide a solid foundation for growth in this sector.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Hotels in Skaraborg have the potential to serve a large catchment area due to the region’s favorable geographical location and good infrastructure. This positioning allows the region to capture hotel guests passing through.
Future Steps
Mats Olsson, CEO of Next Skövde, and Anna Ohlin Ek, CEO of Destination Läckö-Kinnekulle, jointly emphasized: It is important to be able to meet the development taking place in the business community in Skaraborg and to also be able to develop the private market. An important first step will now be to have conversations with our existing hotels in Skaraborg so that they can take advantage of the opportunity to develop their businesses.
The region must continue to work actively to create conditions for additional hotel establishments to support the ongoing development of Skaraborg’s business sector and expand the private market.
