visit sweden susanne andersson

Susanne Andersson

In a forthright conversation with Susanne Andersson, CEO Visit Sweden , Travel And Tour World attempts to get her insights on the country’s tourism scene and the ‘geographical markets they focus on to strengthen’ Sweden as an attractive and sustainable destination.

What are the attractions that make Sweden a must travel destination for global tourists?

Susanne Andersson : Sweden’s accessible nature, due to the freedom to roam, Sweden’s a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, outdoor activities, and our lifestyle.

Share with our readers your plans for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) world congress to be arranged in Sweden next year?

Susanne Andersson : Visit Sweden are very honoured and delighted that the GSTC´s Global conference will be held in Stockholm next year. During the week of the GSTC Global Conference, Visit Sweden in collaboration with The Swedish Agency for Regional and Economic growth would aim this opportunity to focus and encourage collaboration within the Swedish industry to strengthen a more purposeful travel. As a host destination Visit Sweden has put together a program concerning, congress premises, evening arrangements and also suggestions to the GSTC organization, concerning themes and potential speakers for the content.

The welcome reception will be arranged at the historical, stately, and beautiful City Hall, known from the Nobel banquet. The congress itself will be held at The Royal Djurgården, an area in the middle of Stockholm, where many museums and attractions are located. At Royal Djurgården they have been working together for long-term sustainable development for several years. 2022 they received the Green Destination Platinum award for structures work accordance with the UN Sustainability Goals. The closing dinner will be at the Vasa Museum, where you find a warship well preserved from 1628.

Which geographical markets do you focus on to strengthen Sweden as an attractive and sustainable destination?

Susanne Andersson : Visit Sweden is focusing on reaching out to a certain target group, rather than attracting people living in certain geographical areas. Our target group is global travellers, curious explorers with a more sustainable mindset.

As we are not able to promote Sweden in all countries in the world, we focus on markets with greater value to the general Swedish export industry, where we know that the interest of Sweden is higher than in other places. Such as UK, Germany, the German speaking parts of Austria and Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, the French speaking parts of Belgium, parts of USA, parts of India and China. We do also promote Sweden in Norway, Finland and Denmark as well.

Tell our readers something about your cultural tourism scene.

Susanne Andersson : Swedish culture and traditions are great attractions in general. Sweden is often referred to as authentic, genuine for real. In Sweden you find 15 world heritages and uncountable cultural sites across the country. The Swedish mindset when it comes to nature, sustainability, efficiency, equality between genders also features that many visitors to Sweden reflect upon when they discover it in the daily life of Swedes they meet.

Which destinations in Sweden do you want to promote for business events and meetings?

Susanne Andersson : Of course this depends on what type of meetings and incentives to be carried out. All our Swedish main cities are accessible by international air carriers. And there are extensive ferry and train traffic to our neighbouring countries.

Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmoe and the regions they are in, holds most of the major meeting facilities. But cities like Södertälje, Östersund, Umeå, Skellefteå, Luleå, Karlstad, Sundsvall Norrköping all keep a very high standard when it comes to meetings and events.

Södertälje is emerging as a promising destination for the meetings as well as hospitality industries. How far do you think it will cater to the needs of the industry players?

Susanne Andersson : Sodertalje already today caters to more than well for several major events, sports- and industrial activities and meetings, as for example Ericsson and Scania are in Sodertalje.

What is your two pence on the concept of ‘climate smart holiday’? How, in your opinion, it may have an impact on sustainability and minimal CO  emissions?

Susanne Andersson : Climate smart holiday is about making choices.  First of all, plan and be selective in where and how you travel. Travel by flight and car is most common and largest CO2-footprint. Understand if it is possible to replace the transportation mode or the steps possible to reduce the negative impact by using flight or car. Once in the destination make sure you select hotels, restaurants and other services working to reduce climate impact and communicate the results. Continue to ask questions to raise awareness and include both the social and economic dimension of sustainability that connects to the environmental aspect for a more purposeful travel.

In Sweden many suppliers work with sustainability in the three dimensions. Some regions works together to develop a sustainable destination for example: Järvsö, Västerbotten, Göteborg, Djurgården, Skåne, Småland and Gotland.

Where do you want to see Sweden as a destination in the next five years?

Susanne Andersson : Sweden is aiming to become the most sustainable and attractive destination in the world based on innovation and by leading towards purposeful and conscious travel.

Select Your Language

Subscribe to our Newsletters

I want to receive travel news and trade event update from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World's Privacy Notice .

REGIONAL NEWS

Rail Europe Grows Train Booking Capabilities in Central and Eastern Europe with

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Radisson Hotel Group and Redevco Announce New Luxury Hotel in Paris

Federal Aviation Administration Receives $105B Boost from U.S. Congress, Spurrin

Ashford Hospitality Trust in Dallas Finalizes Sale, Surrenders Control of 14 Pro

Middle east.

Seamless Middle East – prime trade show in Dubai

Ekaterina Saburova Takes Helm as Director of Marketing at Four Seasons Hotel Abu

AirAsia Announces Flight Disruptions to Kuching, Sibu, and Bintulu Due to Mount

AirAsia Expands Its Reach with Launch of New Airline in Cambodia

Upcoming shows.

Apr 29 April 29 - May 1 Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) Find out more » Apr 29 April 29 - May 1 FUTURE HOSPITALITY SUMMIT Find out more » May 01 May 1 - May 2 ABTA: Travel Law Seminar 2024 Find out more » May 01 May 1 - May 2 AHICE Asia Pacific 2024 Find out more »

Privacy Overview

Susanne Andersson- Visit Sweden

In February 2022, Susanne became CEO of the state-owned marketing company Visit Sweden, after a year as acting CEO and a role as vice chairman of Visit Sweden’s board and chairman of the business interest organization Svensk Turism.

Susanne has worked all her life in the hospitality industry as a highly appreciated and award-winning entrepreneur.

She is also involved in a wide range of employer and hospitality organizations.

Through a large portion of positive energy, Susanne link people together and create positive climates for common goals.

• [email protected]

• 04 Stockholm

Susanne Andersson

CEO – Visit Sweden

Speaker Info

• Visit Sweden

In February 2022, Susanne became CEO of the state-owned marketing company Visit Sweden, after a year as acting CEO and a role as vice chairman of Visit Sweden’s board and chairman of the business interest organization Svensk Turism.

Susanne has worked all her life in the hospitality industry as a highly appreciated and award-winning entrepreneur.

She is also involved in a wide range of employer and hospitality organizations.

Through a large portion of positive energy, Susanne link people together and create positive climates for common goals.

Latest News

Essential tips for ATV maintenance and repair

FCCA renews and expands partnership with Aquila for enhanced cruise industry training

Finnair temporarily suspends flights to Tartu due to GPS interference

Global Travel Collection launches Elevate Connections in major cities for 2024

PriceTravel Holding joins Hotel Electronic Distribution Association (HEDNA)

Global travel peaks as workers embrace Labour Day getaways

Shiji Enterprise Platform PMS is selected by Melco Resorts & Entertainment to power its digital transformation

International health insurance vs. travel medical insurance

Zela Aviation facilitates new easyJet route to Sitia Airport for Summer 2024

IATA disappointed with new US DOT consumer protection rules

Susanne Andersson (Visit Sweden): “Strategic priorities leading the way through conscious travel”

In February 2022, Susanne became the CEO of the state-owned marketing company Visit Sweden, after a year as acting the CEO and vice chairman of Visit Sweden’s board as well as the the chairman of the business interest organisation Swedish Tourism.

Welcome to Travel Insights powered by the leading travel and tourism daily news portal TravelDailyNews.com International edition !

In this episode, journalist Chryssa Skodra welcomes Mrs. Susanne Andersson , CEO of Visit Sweden , the state-owned marketing company for the tourist destination of Sweden, to get her insights on the topic of ‘Strategic priorities leading the way through conscious travel’.

The marketing company Visit Sweden has the official national assignment from the Swedish government to, through marketing that leads to more conscious travel, add sustainable value for the Swedish hospitality industry by promoting Sweden as a tourist destination and contribute to the governmental vision that Sweden by 2030 is the world’s most sustainable and attractive travel destination based on innovation.

In this Travel Insights episode, we will look into:

• What is the national strategy for tourism in Sweden?
• Which are the priorities of Visit Sweden currently?
• How the role of Visit Sweden has changed over the years?
• What is Sweden’s unique proposition and offering this year? How do they differentiate from other Nordic countries and their neighbours?
• Which are the destinations you are promoting? Any major events taking place in Sweden this year?
• Which are the major markets they are focusing on?
• How does Russia-Ukraine conflict affect inbound tourism to Sweden?
• What is new in the tourism investments and hotel investments field this period?

Chryssa Skodra

Chryssa Skodra is a Finland-based journalist, a celebrity interviewer, a podcaster, an award-winning blogger, a university lecturer and a public speaker. She holds a Bachelor’s in Communications and Media from Athens University and a Master’s in Arts Management from the prestigious Sibelius Academy.

She worked at spotlight international events such as the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and European Commission Conferences and Galas. She is passionate about travelling, food and events. On ‘Travel Insights’ she interviews influential and insightful thought-leaders and professionals from the tourism, aviation and hospitality industries.

• Chryssa Skodra https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/chryssaskodra/ Matka Nordic Travel Fair 2024 triumphs over challenges, marks another successful year
• Chryssa Skodra https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/chryssaskodra/ The International Sommelier Summit organized for the first time in Finland
• Chryssa Skodra https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/chryssaskodra/ Helsinki Airport selected as the Best Airport in Europe 2023 in its size category
• Chryssa Skodra https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/chryssaskodra/ Peik Martin (TUI Nordic): "Crete: A historically top destination for Nordic travelers"

Related posts

Swedish humour goes down well with the Swiss and the world

Sweden wants to end confusion with Switzerland, Swedish Tourist Board declares

Previous post, the advantages of using an esim when traveling to france, fact.mr.: the u.s and canada travel market is anticipated to secure about us$ 2.5 by 2032.

Dallas’ hotel construction pipeline largest at Q1; Atlanta hits its all-time high

“With Women’s Eyes”: Α new Suncruise forum in Cadiz highlights women’s vision for blue tourism

Cologne Convention Bureau presents relaunch of its website

Boostly and I-PRAC forge partnership to elevate trust in direct bookings for short-term rentals 

Gulf Air announces the resumption of its operations to the Republic of Iraq

Delta restarts service to Nigeria from New York-JFK, upgrades fleet for Ghana and South Africa service

Hard Rock International, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises announce global partnership

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr a success for Dubai hotels 

Highgate announces General Manager appointments to Hawaii portfolio

AltoVita welcomes Beverly King as Vice President of Client Partnerships

KLM unveils “Travel Well” to redefine the travel experience

Access Holidays & Events expands DMC Network’s reach into Morocco

SAS to join SkyTeam alliance

Way2VAT continues quarterly revenue increase as business scales and growth plans accelerate in multiple markets

British Airways celebrates 70 years of flying to Chicago

Anex Tour Poland expands presence at Katowice Airport

Bob W to launch fourth Tallinn aparthotel in heart of Arter Quarter business hub

Embraer plans to invest USD$390 million and create another 900 direct jobs this year in Brazil

Etihad’s A380 to say “bonjour” to Paris

H.E. Bin Touq and his Estonian counterpart explore potential avenues for expanding cooperation in tourism, aviation

2024 ASUTIL Conference programme announced

Edinburgh Airport expands Twilight check-in service

IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge awards 10 top products in Aseer

Jackson Hole’s iconic Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa reopens with Summer debut

Saudia launches Beta version of revolutionary digital platform

Aqua-Aston Hospitality debuts dual-branded Fairfield Inn & Suites and TownePlace Suites Hotels in Tempe, Arizona

European Cyclists’ Federation re-elects president and welcomes new and returning board members

Experts outline a promising future for the GCC hospitality sector, as the UAE market is forecasted to exceed US$7bn by 2026

Aviation leaders convened for the EUROCAE Symposium, marking a return to its birthplace in Lucerne

Alaska Airlines expands presence in Southern California with new routes and increased service to popular West Coast destinations

Macau becomes the “Preferred Destination” of European travel agents and Tour Operators for 2025

ACI Europe Annual Congress & General Assembly 2024

Hyatt reveals survey findings on the hotel stay needs of neurodivergent travelers

Delta Board of Directors welcomes Maria Black and Willie Chiang as newest members

New MMGY global study casts on the complexity of travel for families with neurodicerse children

Etihad’s A380 loves New York

CHTA opens applications for the Young Leaders Forum: Shaping tomorrow’s hospitality innovators

National Travel selects Sabre distribution network to help better serve Federal Government Agencies

Marriott International signs agreement with NEOM to bring the Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Trojena, the Mountains of NEOM

Next Generation security checkpoint screening goes live at Aberdeen International Airport

Mirai exceeds 5.8 million room nights and $1B TTV in 2023 and targets 20% growth in 2024 through direct hotel sales

Students Traveling with EF Educational Tours and EF Explore America going cashless through partnership with Till Financial’s fee-free app and debit card

Baptiste Caulonque appointed CEO of Pegasus Lodges

World of Hyatt elevates luxury portfolio by adding more than 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas from Mr & Mrs Smith

Iain Andrew joins QuadLabs board as the Chairman and non-executive director April 25, 2024

Gulf Air introduces Guangzhou and Shanghai as its latest destinations

Oceania Cruises debuts new Mediterranean sailings for 2025

ACC Aviation has extended the exclusive marketing partnership with Freedom II

Secretary General advocates for the rule of international aviation law 

Avianca Airlines renews “Business Class” experience in Europe and Americas

Paradies Lagardère continues commitment to the communities it serves

Grand Hyatt Atlanta, in Buckhead unveils multi-phased 2024 renovation

Europalco transforms Portugal’s biggest venue into a spectacular sound show

Meeting & Event Barometer 2023/24: Ongoing upward trend in the German events market

Global Hotel Alliance’s report reveals what travellers want most from loyalty programmes

Carnival Cruise Line adds fifth new ship to fleet in 18 months

Why migration is no longer your only chance at a better life

Online gambling is cutthroat, thus casino rewards bonuses are key

SHR expands its Global Advisory Board, uniting industry leaders to strengthen innovation in the hospitality industry

Mastercard transforms the fight against scams with latest AI tech

Top eight leading hospitality and tourism jobs in 2024

Royal Caribbean Group reports record bookings for First Quarter 2024

What to do on a weekend in Tulum

Banyan Group releases 2023 Sustainability Report

Air Charter Service announces new Head of Swiss office

Revenues 12.8b and EBIT Adjusted 0.6b for Airbus in the First Quarter of 2024

Samana Developers launches Dh1 bn ‘Lake Views Complex’ in Dubai Production City

Air Serbia has carried a million passengers since the beginning of the year

UFI announces winners of 2024 Next Generation Leadership grant programme

Ottawa Tourism and The Hague & Partners celebrate five years of partnership with renewed agreement

Dangerous FAA amendment would undermine aviation security, delay millions of flyers, set TSA screening back decades

Hostaway launches Hostaway Capital in partnership with Parafin

Boeing reports First Quarter results: Revenue of $16.6 billion

airBaltic launches direct flights from Riga to Ljubljana

Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa unveils multi-million-dollar property renovation

Westward Look Resort & Spa announces Ryan Jones as Executive Chef

Shannon Airport set to reach the 2 million passenger mark by the end of 2024

CityDNA elects new leadership during “Reality Check!” International Conference

Icelandair announces Q1 financial results: Revenue increase of 11%, total income USD 259.0 million

TAAAG – Angola Airlines announces new 5-year contract with AFI KLM E&M on Boeing 777 pool and repair component support

Jamaican minister Edmund Bartlett challenges youth to be part of tourism

Paradero Todos Santos appoints new General Property Manager and Wedding Sales Manager

Record-breaking WTM Africa 2024 signals surging interest in African tourism

JetBlue elevates seamless living in the sky with Blueprint by JetBlue: A personalized inflight experience

Villas of Distinction reveals Q1 booking trends

art’otel opens the doors to its second London property in the heart of the neighborhood of Hoxton, Shoreditch

Nadia Panasyuk named Vice President of Revenue Strategy at First Hospitality

Hilton Grand Vacations unveils 2024 Brand Ambassadors to headline exclusive member experiences

Rethinking wellness travel: the rise of active well-being

Alvar: Newest luxury community delivers first residences at Quivira Los Cabos

The Moore opens in Miami

U.K. travellers lead the world in early 2025 holiday bookings

Unexpected layovers: Tips for tourists to survive the interim

BeCause partners with WTTC to advance more sustainable hotel operations

airBaltic introduces additional pop-up flights for Summer

Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame to open in Summer 2024 in Montreal

HOTEL de LEN becomes the first hotel in Cortina to obtain ClimaHotel Certification

G Adventures expands “Jane Goodall Collection” in honour of renowned environmentalist’s 90th birthday 

CEIR releases 2024 CEIR Index Report, continued growth forecast through 2026

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay reveal penthouse collection

Under the stars: Choosing the right camping tent for your adventure

Safety tips when visiting Dallas, TX – From a personal injury lawyer

Jannah Lamu, the new creation of Anna Trzebinski, is now open to guests

U.S. hotel development kicks off Q1 2024 with growth and record-highs

Accelerating airports’ climate action with ICAO

AI and booking systems top priorities for travel tech stacks

Hilton reports First Quarter results: Adjusted EBITDA was $750m., 29,800 new rooms approved for development

Valuedynamx partnership with Expedia Group drives 20% growth

Daniela Victoria promoted to Director of Sales ay luxury Anguilla resort Malliouhana

Knight Frank: 320,000 new hotel rooms expected in Saudi Arabia by 2030

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne treat top performers to a full ship charter aboard AmaWaterways AmaBella

Hilton announces dynamic executive leadership team at Waldorf Astoria New York

Record 2023 for Holibob on track to be broken

Wizz Air partners with InterLnkd to launch intelligent shopping platform

BEONx secures NextGenerationEU funding for Digital Transformation

Routes Europe officially handed over to 2025 hosts

intuitive launches most advanced version of iVector: extending enterprise power across the travel industry

Hilton announces 2023 Americas Development Award winners

JetBlue announces first Quarter 2024 results

Autograph Collection Hotels announces the opening of Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, Autograph Collection

La Concha Key West announces Lilian Garapan as Director of Food & Beverage

ITM “Pulse Check” highlights current concerns for travel buyers

The Travel & Adventure Show Series concludes the 2024 season with a record-breaking year and successful new market launch

ONYX Hospitality Group runs UK sales mission to strengthen travel industry partnerships

Nikki Beach Global, evolves into Nikki Beach Hospitality Group ahead of the 2024 Summer season

Former Navan CRO returns as CEO of Navan Travel and Amy Butte of Sabre Fame joins Board

Cendyn’s World Tour kicks off in New York

Latest Booking.com sustainable travel data reveals ongoing challenges for consumers

Budapest Airport named Overall Winner at Routes Europe 2024 Awards

How visiting a spiritual retreat can transform your life from stress to Zen

Hilton expands Guadalajara portfolio with signing of Canopy by Hilton Guadalajara

Quicktext announces partnership with Mob Hotel Group

Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel welcomes Marketing Director Bridgette O’Neil

Hotel gossip creates career block for hospitality workers says study

The contribution of tourism to the Greek economy, 2019-2023

IAEE launches CEM Fellows Program

AHLA: DOL overtime rule will hurt hotels and limit employee opportunities

New Newcastle Aspire Lounge marks a world first in airport hospitality

Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Kenya to host World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony 2024

TUI Care Foundation launches new Destination Zero Waste Programme in Tunisia

“Wonder Italy” motorcycle trip to discover the most beautiful villages in Sicily

Volotea inaugurates its 20th base at Brest Bretagne Airport

The Resident Edinburgh appoints General Manager

ITA Airways: Direct flights from Rome Fiumicino to Africa and the Middle East in the 2024 summer season

Canada hotels record first transient occupancy increase in four months

Budapest Airport sees Xi’an return to route map

Pleasant Holidays, Journese add Poland, expanding Europe portfolio with hotels, flights and private tour options

Weekender chooses Mews to help fuel their rapid US growth

HSMAI takes commercial strategy to the next level with commercial effectiveness organizational assessment

Construction begins on Royal Caribbean’s first Royal Beach Club

Chris Phillips promoted to Chief Commercial Officer at ATPCO

Avianca reduces carbon emissions 21% in 2023, 2019 comparison

Boom appoints Hilton’s former President of Global Operations and Development as Chairman of new Advisory Board

hihotels by Hospitality International continues expansion with eight new properties

Ιndustry leaders gathered in Kigali for the UFI Middle East & Africa Conference

FPNA rebrands to Aruba Conservation Foundation

Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Turks & Caicos, unveils website

The Club of Revenue Management by Radisson Hotel Group expands its global reach and extends its services to Sales, M&E, Voice, and Web optimization

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco announces the return of the Solaire Terrasse

d.HOLIDAY: Diaverum’s holiday dialysis programme launches in Greece

TUI Musement powering loveholidays Tours & Activities offering as OTA launches thousands of experiences for holidaymakers

A year since launch, Global Hotel Alliance’s Green Collection adds hotels, builds awareness and adoption

The Conscious Travel Foundation, Weeva and BOUTECO launch Conscious Questions, a resource for tourism businesses

Skyscanner announces first global sports sponsorship

limehome hits new heights with 6,800 apartments

The Bellezza 24 itinerary, the guide created by Confcommercio Marche Nord, arrives at Palazzo Madama in Rome.

Travel Industry News by ITB : Daily Travel & Tourism News

Primary Navigation

— Registration Number: SIRET 413 604 471 — Professional Bodies: SYNTHEC — Company’s Director: Jean-françois PIERI CLEVERDIS — RCS Number: 413604471 SALON-DE-PROVENCE — Legal Form: CLEVERDIS SAS — VAT Number: TVA FR95413604471

Close to nature – Sweden named N°1 Sustainable Destination

Exclusive interview: susanne andersson – interim ceo – visit sweden, sweden has just been named as “number 1 sustainable destination in the world” by euromonitor international. we asked visit sweden’s interim ceo susanne andersson why she feels this honour was given to her country..

To be recognised in this way is a huge encouragement and is mainly thanks to the engagement, commitment and passion of entrepreneurs throughout Sweden.

In Sweden, we have a long and strong tradition of living close to nature, which naturally gives us a sustainable perspective and understanding, both individually and for businesses. 97% of Sweden is unpopulated, so social distancing comes easily. This may be the reason why Swedish hotels, tour and travel operators and transport companies today are offering a broad range of sustainable solutions, such as biofuel run and carbon dioxide compensated transport and eco-friendly hotels. To name a few examples.

ITB Berlin NOW 2021 has been a great chance for us all to keep in touch with travel agents, journalists and influencers.

Gothenburg has been named as a European capital of smart tourism. Tell us a little bit about Gothenburg and why it is a model in this sense. As one of Europe’s leading foodie destinations, Gothenburg the second largest city of Sweden, is a vibrant gateway to our country for many visitors. It is the perfect ‘escape’ destination where culture, shopping and local cuisine will keep you busy. Still it’s a fantastic example of an easily accessible European city close to nature, striving to become even more digitally accessible, inclusive and sustainable.

Gothenburg added this award to other accolades, being named the world’s Best Sustainable City Stay for 2021 by Lonely Planet, and it has held the top ranking in the Global Destinations Sustainability Index since 2016. With a regional climate target of being fossil-fuel independent by 2030, Gothenburg was the first city in the world to issue Green Bonds to accelerate investment in climate-oriented solutions.

The tourism industry needs to develop even more sustainable ways to take advantage of the growing tourism sector. This is an opportunity to go from smart to smarter and is especially important after the tough times experienced during 2020 with less tourism and fewer business opportunities.

What else has Sweden been “pushing” this year at ITB Berlin NOW? A study revealed some time ago that just 72 hours in Sweden’s nature reduces stress and increases individual wellbeing. This made us collect a sample of just a few of the incredible locations and accommodation experiences available that are well placed to make the most of Sweden’s freedom to roam, a principle, protected in law, that gives all people easy access to the nature.

Sweden’s unique nature can be experienced from award-winning glamping sites, architect-designed tree houses, and even luxurious rooms made entirely of ice. And the nature extends into the centre of the major cities, where you can kayak, swim and cycle amid trees, granite outcrops and sparkling water.

The freedom to roam also opens up Sweden’s natural gourmet pantry of wild food. It’s something we´re celebrating through our Edible Country project, 40 million hectares of fine do-it-yourself dining.

In Sweden, naturally healthy food can be found just around the corner – in our forests, lakes and meadows. In collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs, we have created inspirational menus featuring local produce to experience the Swedish pantry.

What are your thoughts on this year’s “virtual” ITB event? ITB Berlin NOW 2021 has been a great chance for us all to keep in touch with travel agents, journalists and influencers. We have noticed that we are digitally reaching new target groups even if can’t replace the “real” ITB in Berlin and all the face-to-face personal meetings we enjoy. Even if we need to get used to this new form of “digital” fairs, where we all develop our digital skills, we all long for times when we all can meet again in person.  

Photo:  Susanne Andersson , Interim CEO, Visit Sweden –  Gothenburg – ©  Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se

Hotels in Sweden

Sweden consists mainly of smaller independent hotels and accommodation, who have been preparing themselves to be ready for visitors when the time is right. Hoteliers and entrepreneurs have been busy using this last year to develop new and exciting places to stay. Major new openings this year include:

Villa Dagmar , a new boutique hotel opens on May 6 th offering a hint of Italy in Stockholm’s trendiest district. A beautiful, modern and creative home for the global traveller looking for a hotel with both heart and soul in a chic and affluent part of Stockholm, next to Östermalm’s Market Hall.

TEN Hotel is a new, affordable hotel for active travellers, a completely new hotel concept and opens in Upplands Väsby this spring. It offers every conceivable opportunity for a good night’s sleep, having a strong focus on exercise, sports and health for the modern active traveller. Ten Hotel is a hotel concept based on a mix of personal and digital service, sustainable materials, design and environmentally friendly technology. The hotel offers a large, state-of-the-art 100 m² gym with a sauna, and next to the hotel is a new paddle centre. It is also close to golf courses as well as trails for running, skiing and other leisure activities in the immediate area.

New luxurious penthouse rooms at design Hotel Riverton (Opened Dec 2020). The family-owned design Hotel Riverton in central Gothenburg has finalised its extensive two-year renovation to a value of 220 million SEK in December 2020. The hotel now boasts a new SPA and gym, a remarkable sky bar & restaurant and 24 brand new rooms, including five luxurious penthouse rooms each with its own terrace offering astonishing views of the harbour.”

You Might Also Like:

“greener zanzibar”: authenticity and environmental responsibility at itb berlin 2024, ecuador highlights adventure, gastronomy and nature at itb berlin 2024, saudi tourism showcases its rich offer of destinations to itb berlin visitors.

Drag to scroll

• +33 (0)4 42 77 46 00
• [email protected]

Legal Notices

• Cookie Policy (EU)
• Data Protection

Sweden Reminds Tourists It’s Not Switzerland in New Campaign

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

October 25th, 2023 at 1:59 PM EDT

Visit Sweden launched a new marketing campaign to remind the world to stop mixing up Sweden with Switzerland, the tourism board announced on Tuesday.

Called “Welcome to Sweden (not Switzerland),” the campaign kicked off with a playful message to Swiss public officials. In the video, Sweden proposes what the countries should promote to better differentiate themselves to end the confusion. Sweden, for example, proposes Switzerland talks about its financial banks while they talk about their sandbanks.

The campaign video includes a joke about U.S. President Joe Biden accidentally stating in 2022 that Switzerland was joining NATO instead of Sweden. Last year, 85,000 Google searches originating from the U.S. asked, “Are Sweden and Switzerland the same?” according to MyTelescope.

Many people can’t differentiate Sweden and Switzerland. About 50% of Americans can’t confidently tell the differences in Swedish and Swiss culture, according to a study commissioned by Visit Sweden.

The campaign also includes a dedicated webpage with key points on how Sweden’s different from Switzerland and a FAQ . “If people struggle to separate our two countries, we need to help them. We can’t change the names of our nations, but we can become more distinct,” said Visit Sweden CEO Susanne Andersson.

Tags: destination marketing , sweden , tourism

Advertisement

Ad of the Day: Sweden is sick of people confusing it with Switzerland

• Facebook Messenger

By Amy Houston, Senior Reporter

October 24, 2023 | 2 min read

Listen to article 4 min

According to the country’s tourism board, 43% of people in the UK admit to confusing two countries.

Have you ever confused Sweden with Switzerland? If so, you’re not alone. Apparently, 120,000 people a year Google whether the two countries are the same.

To put this to rest, Visit Sweden has devised a plan to reach an agreement with its European neighbor and solidify which country can talk about certain topics, including Abba and Ikea (which are synonymous with Sweden, of course).

“If people struggle to separate our two countries, we need to help them,” said Susanne Andersson, chief executive officer at Visit Sweden.

“We can’t change the names of our nations, but we can become more distinct. Sweden offers luxury of a different nature. That’s why we believe it’s time to decide who promotes what and hopefully we can reach an agreement.”

With a good dose of humor, Visit Sweden, and its ad agency Forsman & Bodenfors, is highlighting aspects it knows will attract travelers.

“We will communicate things like sandbanks, rooftops and silence. Meanwhile, Switzerland will focus on banks, mountain tops and yodeling. We are still waiting for an official response, but we’re hoping that Switzerland is willing to negotiate with us on this important matter.”

Interested in seeing more creative campaigns? Check out our Ad of the Day and the Best Ads of the Week sections.

More from Creative

Spotify is currently not available in your country.

Follow us online to find out when we launch., spotify gives you instant access to millions of songs – from old favorites to the latest hits. just hit play to stream anything you like..

Listen everywhere

Spotify works on your computer, mobile, tablet and TV.

Unlimited, ad-free music

No ads. No interruptions. Just music.

Download music & listen offline

Keep playing, even when you don't have a connection.

Premium sounds better

Get ready for incredible sound quality.

Wednesday, May 01, 2024 11:30 am (Paris)

• International
• Letter from

Sweden wants people to stop confusing it with Switzerland

After a slip-up by Joe Biden, the Swedish tourist board has launched a humorous campaign to highlight the differences between the two countries and repair the country's tarnished image.

By  Anne-Françoise Hivert   (Malmö (Sweden) correspondent)

Time to 3 min.

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Messenger
• Share on Facebook
• Share by email
• Share on Linkedin

Subscribers only

LETTER FROM STOCKHOLM

For Sweden, as for Switzerland, it's a problem. Not the kind to provoke a diplomatic crisis, of course, but enough to set people's teeth on edge, especially when, at a press conference on the sidelines of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, US President Joe Biden's tongue slipped, and he said "Switzerland" instead of "Sweden." His predecessors Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush made the same blunder in their days as well.

To put an end to the confusion, Sweden has taken matters into its own hands with a video, posted online on October 24, appealing to the Swiss. "We're contacting you regarding our mutual problem," explains actress Emma Peters, with long blond hair and a white blazer, in front of two yellow and blue Swedish flags. "It's time we make the distinction between our two nations as clear as day by deciding who talks about what."

After all, it's not just US presidents who get mixed up. In 2018, to celebrate the IPO of Stockholm-based Spotify, Wall Street hoisted the white and red flag of... Switzerland! The following year, Grenoble's ice rink played the Swedish anthem before a Champions League hockey match between local club Les Brûleurs de Loups and SC Bern. For the record, the Swiss won, only to be eliminated in the next round by Sweden's Lulea.

More than one in 10 Britons think that ABBA and IKEA are Swiss

At the beginning of the Visit Sweden campaign, the Swedish tourist board conducted a survey: "Last year, 120,000 internet users did a Google search to find out whether Sweden and Switzerland were the same country," revealed Susanne Andersson, the organization's CEO. What's more, according to two surveys carried out in the UK and the US, 43% of Britons and 50% of Americans admit to not being able to tell the two countries apart. Worse still: more than one in 10 Britons think that ABBA and IKEA are Swiss. As for Americans, 10% admit to having almost booked a flight to the wrong destination.

The two countries are indeed similar: located in Europe, among the richest in the world, with a long history of neutrality (recently broken by Sweden's desire to join NATO). Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, both are also generally among the front runners in international rankings, be it for innovation or quality of life.

So how do you tell them apart? In the clip, already viewed nearly 250,000 times in less than a week, the Swedes propose a split: the banks go to Switzerland, the sandbanks to Sweden; the Swiss get yodeling, the Swedes get "silence and a lack of yodeling"; LSD, of course, belongs to Switzerland, where it was "invented" (in 1938, chemist Albert Hofmann discovered it somewhat by accident, then used it until a fairly advanced age), while Sweden has the aurora borealis, "a different kind of surreal experience."

You have 49.36% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.

Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil.

Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois

Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil.

Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil.

Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur, téléphone ou tablette).

Comment ne plus voir ce message ?

En cliquant sur «  Continuer à lire ici  » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte.

Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici ?

Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil. Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte.

Y a-t-il d’autres limites ?

Non. Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez, mais en les utilisant à des moments différents.

Vous ignorez qui est l’autre personne ?

Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe .

Lecture restreinte

Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article

Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial.

Sweden’s landmark new proposal will stop the world from mixing it up with Switzerland

Honestly, do you know the difference.

It's time the world learns the difference between Sweden and Switzerland.

After over a thousand years of peaceful relations, European semi-superpowers Sweden and Switzerland may finally address a lingering issue between the two nations. But the problem isn’t either country’s fault. The point is that the rest of the world can’t tell them apart. They simply don’t know their kroppkakor (Swedish potato dumpling) from their birchermüesli (a Swiss breakfast dish).

This confusion on the European continent has played out in countless ways.

Swedish people who move to the United States often complain of being introduced as Swiss. The New York Stock Exchange has fallen victim to the confusion, and a French hockey team once greeted their Swiss opponents, SC Bern, by playing the Swedish National Anthem and raising the Swedish flag.

Skämtar du med mig? (“Are you kidding me?” in Swedish)

To help the world finally recognize the differences between the two nations, Sweden has created a landmark proposal to end the confusion once and for all.

“If people struggle to separate our two countries, we need to help them. We can’t change the names of our nations, but we can become more distinct. Sweden offers the luxury of a different nature, that’s why we think it’s time to decide who promotes what, and hopefully, we can reach an agreement,” said Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden.

The Swedish proposal is simple and practical, just like its citizens. The country hopes to make a clear distinction between the two countries by deciding who talks about what. “We will be able to communicate things like sandbanks, rooftops and silence. Meanwhile, Switzerland will focus on banks, mountain tops, and loud noises,” Andersson said in a statement.

The Swedes hope that people will learn to distinguish Switzerland's technological advancements, such as particle accelerators and luxurious watches, from Sweden’s natural phenomena that, instead of winding you up, help you wind down.

The first draft of the official settlement was presented to Switzerland and can be read at the Visit Sweden website . “We’re hoping that Switzerland will negotiate with us on this important matter. But if they want contemporary fashion, the answer is no. They get to have leather couture, and we think that’s fair,” Andersson said, referencing the yellow-painted leather pants traditionally worn by herdsmen in Appenzeller.

If Sweden and Switzerland come together on an agreement to distinguish their national identities, it’ll be a big win for the entire world. But, until then, the best way for you to truly learn the difference is to visit Sweden yourself.

Sweden’s calming, beautiful nature will refresh your spirit like no place on Earth. Imagine sailing on its pristine lakes while a sharp breeze runs through your hår (hair). Enjoy a hike in perpetual daylight during the Midnight Sun Period, or feast your ögon (eyes) on the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland.

Looking for some high-altitude adventure? You and a friend could even take a yodeling tour in the Alps in the shadows of the magnificent Matterhorn. Sounds like fun? Sorry, got you. The Matterhorn is in Switzerland, and Swedish people don’t yodel; it throws off their lagom—a unique brand of Scandinavian chill.

Find your lagom by planning your trip to Sweden today.

• Young people across the world took to the streets to protest climate ... ›
• Non-Americans are sharing the ‘dead giveaway’ someone is American and they are pretty right ›
• Dropping 17,000 ‘lost’ wallets across the globe taught researchers a big lesson about honesty. ›
• Roger Federer and Trevor Noah team up for Swiss tourism ad - Upworthy ›

Now's your chance to help someone doing good in your community win $1000 towards the charity of their choice

Upworthy and p&g are back with the #actsofgood awards..

Three winners will be selected to receive $1000 donated to the charity of their choice.

Doing good is its own reward, but sometimes recognizing these acts of kindness helps bring even more good into the world. That’s why we’re excited to partner with P&G again on the #ActsOfGood Awards.

The #ActsOfGood Awards recognize individuals who actively support their communities. It could be a rockstar volunteer, an amazing community leader, or someone who shows up for others in special ways.

Do you know someone in your community doing #ActsOfGood? Nominate them between April 24 th -June 3 rd here . Three winners will receive $1,000 dedicated to the charity of their choice, plus their story will be highlighted on Upworthy’s social channels. And yes, it’s totally fine to nominate yourself!

We want to see the good work you’re doing and most of all, we want to help you make a difference.

While every good deed is meaningful, winners will be selected based on how well they reflect Upworthy and P&G’s commitment to do #ActsOfGood to help communities grow.

That means be on the lookout for individuals who:

Strengthen their community

Make a tangible and unique impact

Go above and beyond day-to-day work

The #ActsOfGood Awards are just one part of P&G’s larger mission to help communities around the world to grow. For generations, P&G has been a force for growth—making everyday products that people love and trust—while also being a force for good by giving back to the communities where we live, work, and serve consumers. This includes serving over 90,000 people affected by emergencies and disasters through the Tide Loads of Hope mobile laundry program and helping some of the millions of girls who miss school due to a lack of access to period products through the Always #EndPeriodPoverty initiative.

Visit upworthy.com/actsofgood and fill out the nomination form for a chance for you or someone you know to win. It takes less than ten minutes to help someone make an even bigger impact.

• 23 years ago he rescued a toddler from a burning building. Now he just met the grown man's son. ›
• Selfless Home Depot employees came together to find a man who lost $700 on aisle 22 ›
• Man returns woman's lost purse to her house and their lovely chat was caught on camera ›

After his wife of 50 years died, he found a secret letter she had hidden from him for decades

The letter was sent in 1959 and she never let him see it..

Tony Trapani discovers a letter his wife hid from him since 1959.

Tony Trapani and his wife were married for 50 years despite the heartache of being unable to have children. "She wanted children,” Trapani told Fox 17. "She couldn't have any. She tried and tried." Even though they endured the pain of infertility, Tony's love for his wife never wavered and he cherished every moment they spent together.

After his wife passed away when Tony was 81 years old, he undertook the heartbreaking task of sorting out all of her belongings. That’s when he stumbled upon a carefully concealed letter in a filing cabinet hidden for over half a century.

The letter was addressed to Tony and dated March 1959, but this was the first time he had seen it. His wife must have opened it, read it and hid it from him. The letter came from Shirley Childress, a woman Tony had once been close with before his marriage. She reached out, reminiscing about their past and revealing a secret that would change Tony's world forever.

"Dear Tony, I bet you are surprised to hear from me after so many years. I was just thinking about you tonight like so many other nights. But I thought I would write you and find out how you are," the letter reads. "Tony, please don't be angry or surprised to hear this. I have a little boy. He is five-years- old now - grey eyes and beautiful black hair. What I am trying to say Tony is he is your son."

"Please, Tony if you can find it in your heart to forgive me, please come and see him," Shirley wrote in the letter. "Every day he asks me where is his daddy and believe me Tony I can't even answer him anymore. If would be forever grateful to you if you would just see him. ... I'll close now hoping and praying you will answer. P.S. His name is Samuel Duane."

Now, Tony faced the fact that he had a son that would be around 60 years old and he set out to find him. For over a year, Trapani’s sister tried to track down the mysterious Samuel Duane Childress, until she finally contacted his wife, Donna.

Tony and Samuel met in January 2015 and he felt like a new dad. After meeting his father, Samuel said his mother told him she sent the letter, but Tony never responded. "Why my wife didn't tell me," said Trapani. "I don't know. She wanted children. She couldn't have any. She tried and tried."

"I always asked my mom, I said, 'Well what does he look like?'' Samuel said. "She said, 'Well, go look in the mirror."

Tony Trapani, 81, meets his son for the first time after finding a hidden letter from 1959. https://t.co/iNSKVMjnjv — (@)

The two met and caught up on a lifetime of memories with the understanding that they could never change the past. "Just to know him now is so important to me. It's going to fill that void," Samuel said. But just to be sure, Tony took a paternity test to ensure they were father and son.

The test came back negative, revealing that Tony was not the father. The news upset Tony and Samuel, but they still had a unique bond. They shared a relationship with Samuel’s mother and both have been on an incredibly wild ride after Tony found the mysterious letter.

“They're keeping that bond,” Donna said. “That paper doesn't mean anything to him. That bond has been made—and we're going to move on from here.”

This article originally appeared on 2.23.24

• A dad's hilarious letter to school asks them to explain why they're living in 1968 ›
• Devastated father makes an unbelievable discovery while cleaning out his deceased daughter's room ›
• Woman discovers her husband’s secret love letters while trying on new pair of shoes ›

Why Your Next Mattress Should Be Latex, Not Memory Foam

The 100% organic mattress is made from sustainable materials and you can try it risk-free for 100 nights..

Do you ever feel like you’re on an eternal quest for good sleep? Have you tried everything from sleep masks and white noise machines to weighted blankets and herbal supplements? If so, it’s probably time to reconsider the most obvious element of good sleep: your mattress. Of course, when it comes to mattresses, for years memory foam has been the top choice for comfort. But today consumers want something that is more sustainable and healthy. And for that reason, more and more are turning to the Peace Lily Latex Mattress , a game-changer in the world of sleep. This 100% organic marvel doesn’t just deliver superior comfort; it does so without using any of the toxic chemicals that are bad for your health and the planet. Want to hear more about how you can get a better night’s sleep and help the planet at the same time? Then let’s talk about why you should choose latex over memory foam.

The Problem with Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses, while cozy at first cuddle, come with a long list of not-so-cozy problems. Ever wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you're sleeping on a radiator? That's heat retention for you, a notorious trait of memory foam that turns your bed into a sauna. Do you often find yourself waking up with the morning sniffles or headaches that just won't quit? You may assume that this is natural, but it’s often a silent signal of off-gassing—the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the synthetic materials memory foam beds are famous for.

But it's not just about uncomfortable nights or mysterious sniffles. The environmental toll of these synthetic materials is hefty, contributing to our planet's growing pile of non-biodegradable waste. As we become more aware of our ecological footprint, the choice of mattress becomes more than a personal comfort issue; it's a health and environmental decision. Switching from memory foam to a more sustainable option like natural latex isn't just good for your sleep; it's a step towards a healthier planet.

The Peace Lily Latex Difference

Latex mattresses are in a league of their own when it comes to combining comfort, durability, and health. Unlike their memory foam counterparts, latex doesn't trap heat. Instead, latex lets you enjoy a cool, serene slumber thanks to its open-cell structure that promotes air circulation. This means you can say goodbye to those sweaty wake-up calls. Plus, the inherent durability of natural latex ensures that your mattress remains supportive and sag-free, offering an unwavering comfort that lasts for decades, not just years.

Of course, while latex is fantastic, not all latex mattresses are created equal. What makes the Peace Lily Latex Mattress stand out is the fact that it is made of 100% sustainable, certified organic, non-toxic materials. We’re talking inner foam layers made from GOLS certified organic latex with sustainably sourced rubber sap; a cover and handles made from high-density organic cotton for a soft, cloud-like feel; and batting made from GOTScertified organic New Zealand wool for plush, breathable luxury. To top it all off, Peace Lily is embarking on the world’s first regenerative latex program focused on recovering degraded soil using specialized agroforestry practices. With new estimates saying that in 60 years all of the topsoil in the world will disappear, this makes a real difference! Every single element and sourcing process is thoughtfully chosen for its sustainability, lack of off-gassing, and luxury comfort, ensuring you breathe clean air and reduce your carbon footprint while you sleep soundly.

The Greener Option

So what does sustainably sourced latex actually mean? The Peace Lily Latex Mattress is produced by tapping rubber trees in a way that allows them to continue growing, and thus continue absorbing carbon dioxide. In that way, every single mattress becomes part of a larger, greener cycle.

But the environmental benefits of this particular Peace Lily mattress don’t just stop at production. Sleeping on a mattress free from the toxic chemical cocktail found in many non-organic options means you're resting in a cleaner, healthier space every night. The Peace Lily Latex Mattress boasts non-toxic, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic properties, thanks to its natural latex and organic wool. These materials naturally resist dust mites, mold, and mildew, ensuring a sneeze-free, breathable sleep environment. With prestigious certifications like GOLS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and eco-INSTITUT® to back up these claims, you get the assurance that you're sleeping on a mattress that meets the highest standards of environmental and health safety.

Peace Lily, Here for a Good Time and a Long Time

Worried that the Peace Lily Latex Mattress won’t be right for you? Don’t be. For starters, the Peace Lily Latex Mattress is a flippable mattress with two different firmness levels. One side is medium, the other is firm. And if you want something a little softer or firmer you can add a Peace Lily mattress topper for a fully customized sleep. But even if you try all that and you still don’t like the Peace Lily, that’s cool too, because they offer a zero-risk 100-night trial! Sleep on it, dream on it, and if you don't absolutely love it, they’ll take it back and give you a full refund.

The Peace Lily Latex Mattress ships free, arriving at your doorstep compressed in a box, ready to expand into the bed of your dreams, all over the United States. No extra fees, no hidden costs — just pure, unadulterated comfort waiting to unfold in your bedroom. And it all comes with a 25-year limited warranty so you can feel confident investing in your sleep and health. This mattress is built to last and Peace Lily backs that up with this amazing warranty.

Better Sleep, Better Planet

If you’re looking for the perfect night’s sleep, ditch the environmentally disastrous memory foam and go with natural latex instead. The Peace Lily Latex Mattress offers 100% organic materials and customizable firmness levels, plus cooling sleep, unbelievable durability, and antimicrobial benefits, so you get better sleep and a cleaner planet. If you want to improve your sleep, general health, and contribution to the environment - this is the best investment you can make!

Click here to order your Peace Lily Latex Mattress today. From what we’ve found we think you’ve got nothing to lose, and the entire planet has something to gain.

Norway banned smart phones in schools and it has been very good for young girls

Should they be banned in schools everywhere.

A group of students staring at their phones.

The Norwegian government is spearheading a significant initiative to prohibit students from having smartphones in schools. This move comes in the wake of compelling studies demonstrating the positive impact of removing these devices from students’ hands and allowing them to focus more on their learning.

The effects have been particularly beneficial for girls.

Over the past few years, smartphone bans have cropped up in several school districts throughout Norway, allowing researchers to study how the bans affected students. Sara Abrahamsson, a postdoctoral fellow at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, analyzed students at 400 middle schools and found that the bans had psychological and academic benefits.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health published the results.

1 Girls made fewer appointments for psychological help

The study found that there was a significant decrease in the number of visits that girls made to see a psychological specialist for mental health issues. “Relative to pretreatment this is a significant decline by almost 60% in the number of visits,” Abrahamsson wrote in the study .

2. Steep drop in bullying

The study shows that girls experienced a 46% reduction in bullying after smartphone bans were enacted and boys had a 43% reduction.

Boys looking at memes on a smartphone.

via Max Fischer/Pexels

3. Improved grades for girls

The study revealed that introducing a smartphone ban at the beginning of middle school improved girls' GPAs and increased their chances of enrolling in an academic-oriented high school track versus a vocational study. On the other hand, the ban appeared to have no notable effect on boys’ GPA, teacher-assigned grades, or likelihood of pursuing an academic high school track.

4. The ban had a more significant effect on economically disadvantaged girls

The study found that the ban resulted in greater benefits for economically disadvantaged girls regarding academic performance, appointments for psychological symptoms and the probability of attending an academically focused high school.

The positive impact that the bans have on girls is significant, given the fact that studies show they’ve been the most deeply affected by the rise in mental health issues amongst young people that have coincided with smartphone adaptation.

One of the most disturbing trends is the dramatic rise in suicide rates among girls in developed nations.

Students taking a selfie in school.

via RDNE Stock Project

Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” and advocate for banning smartphones in schools, explained why smartphone use is more damaging for girls than boys.

“There is a special relationship between social media and girls,” Haidt told “The Reason Interview with Nick Gillespie ” podcast. “When boys get together … they're likely to organize themselves into groups to compete [on multiplayer video games].”

“Girls are much more interested in talking about relationships. Who is on the outs with whom? Who's dating who? They have a more developmental map of the social space,” Haidt continued.

When there is conflict within peer groups, social media poses a much greater threat to girls.

“Boys' aggression is ultimately backed up by the threat of physical domination and punching or pain, " Haidt continued. “Girls' aggression is equal in magnitude, but it's aimed at relationships and reputation. It's called relational aggression. Video games, if anything, prevent boys from getting in fights. … The platform settles everything. But girls' relational aggression is amplified. The worst year of bullying is seventh grade. I'm really focused on middle school.”

• New Texas restaurant has a strict 'no cellphones allowed' policy. Let’s hope it starts a trend. ›
• Bill Gates explains the ‘safest’ age to give a kid a cellphone ›
• Quebec schools to ban cellphones in classrooms to help kids pay ... ›

Self-defense expert shares 'Ted Bundy rule' to protect women from men who appear harmless

"this is important because dangerous people use this tactic to lure victims into compromising situations.".

Ted Bundy in a 1980 Florida Department of Corrections inmate ID photo and Self-checkouts in Lidl discount in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland.

Katie Ring, known on social media as The.Self.Defense.Girl, recently shared a success story on TikTok after a woman followed her “Ted Bundy Rule.” The big takeaway from the story is that even when people appear harmless, it could all be a clever rouse to put you in extreme danger.

Ring is a self-defense instructor , martial artist and former D1 athlete who started her TikTok and Instagram profiles (@the.self.defense.girl) after a man assaulted twenty women in San Francisco and had still not been arrested.

"One self-defense rule I want every woman and child to remember is what I call the Ted Bundy rule,” Ring shared on TikTok. “That is, if a grown man needs help, he's typically going to ask another man and not a woman or a child. So, if a grown man asks you for help, I want you to question why he's asking for your help in particular."

One of RIng’s followers heard her share the rule in the past and put it to good use after someone sketchy asked her for help at 10 p.m. in a grocery store. At the self-check-out, a man on crutches asked her to help him carry his groceries to his truck. She said no to the man because she thought it was "weird" he asked her instead of a male employee.

@the.self.defense.girl One of the most important self-defense rules if you are a woman or a child, is if a grown man is asking for your help, always question why. Obviously not everyone has bad intentions, but your safety is more important than someone elses feelings! . #selfdefense #safety #safetytips #womensselfdefense #tiptok #tedbundy #fyp #foryou #viral #greenscreen

“Exactly like she said, the guy could have had no bad intentions, but as women and children, we just can't take that risk," Ring said. "This is the exact tactic that Ted Bundy used to lure his victims. He would have a cast or crutches and ask women to help him to his car, where he would proceed to knock them out, kidnap them and unalive them."

Ted Bundy was a serial killer in the mid-’70s who was known for hiding behind his good looks, intelligence and clean-cut image to murder at least 30 women. One of the tactics he used to lure women was to feign injury by using crutches, wearing casts or arm slings and asking women for help taking things to his car.

On one such occasion, after dropping books in front of Georgeann Hawkins at the University of Washington, Bundy convinced her to return them to his car. As she bent over to place the books in his seat, he hit her in the head with a crowbar.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katie Ring (@the.self.defense.girl)

The video was a great reminder for women everywhere to be cautious when a strange man asks them for help, especially when other men are around. Some people may feel uncomfortable saying no to someone asking for help. But the commenters shared why that should be the last of their worries. "The thing is, if he had no bad intentions and is a nice guy, he won't mind you saying no. If he gets angry, he wasn't a good guy," one commenter wrote.

Another commenter suggested if a woman finds herself in that position at a grocery store, they grab an employee to help the person bring the groceries to their car. “Smart move! Ima say, ‘sure thing! Let me grab an employee for ya!’” a commenter wrote.

Ultimately, being safe means being assertive and telling people no. But that’s a lot easier than following their wishes and winding up in extreme danger.

"So remember, your safety is more important than anyone else's feelings,” Ring concluded the video.

• Kenya's unique approach to rape prevention should have the rest of the world taking note. ›
• Why women smile at men who sexually harass us. ›
• How one self-defense class changed this woman's life forever ›

Nail salon made an ad that's so funny people are taking roadtrips just for a manicure

Canadian nail salon has people packing their bags for a manicure

There are a lot of nail salons out there and without word of mouth it can be impossible to know which salon to visit. This is why many businesses have social media pages to advertise services without having to spend a lot of money on television ad space. Advertising pictures and videos of amazing work can help keep a steady flow of customers, but one Canadian nail salon is going with a different approach.

Henry Pro Nails in Toronto, Canada is leaving the internet in stitches after creating a viral ad for his nail salon . The video takes several viral video clips but instead of the expected ending, Henry pops in completing the viral moment in hilarious different ways.

It opens with a familiar viral video of a man on a stretcher being pulled by EMS when the stretcher overturns flopping the man onto the ground. But instead of it ending with the injured man on the ground, Henry lays out on the floor of his salon and delivers his first line, "come to my nail salon, your nails will look beautiful." The video doesn't stop there and has certainly having the desired effect.

In another clip, a man holds his leg straight up and somehow flips himself into a split. When the camera cuts back to Henry, he's in the splits on the floor of his nail salon promoting loyalty discounts. The ad is insanely creative and people in the comments can't get enough, some are even planning a trip to Toronto just to get their nails done by the now internet famous, Henry.

"I will fly to Canada to get my nails done here just because of this hilarious video. You win this trend for sure," one woman says.

"Get yourself a passport and make a roadtrip! My bf and I are legit getting ours and its only a 4 hr drive from where we are in Pennsylvania. Their prices are a lot better than other places I've been too," another person says while convincing a fellow American citizen to make the trip.

"Omg, where are you located? I would fly to get my nails done by you," one person writes.

"The pedicure I had at Henry’s was the best I have ever had. Unfortunately made all other places disappointing and I don’t live close enough for Henry’s to be my regular spot," someone else shares.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 💅🏻 𝙏𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 💅🏻 (@henrypronails_salon)

It just goes to show that creative advertising can get people to go just about anywhere, but the service gets them to come back. This isn't Henry's first rodeo at making creative ads, though this one seems to be the one that takes the cake. If you're ever in Toronto and find yourself needing an emergency manicure, Henry's Pro Nails is apparently the place to be.

• Toddler pretends to be a nail tech and her presentation is pure polished perfection ›
• Man takes son for father-son dates to the nail salon and it's the sweetest relationship ›
• Man tries to rob a nail salon but gets completely ignored and people are having a field day with it ›

'90s kid shares the 10 lies that everyone's parent told them

British grandpa blown away when he tries southern style biscuits and gravy for the first time, trippy optical illusion makes people swear a coke can is red. it's not. at all., dad's tiktok for son showing what his 80s childhood was like is total gen x nostalgia, 12 books that people say are life-changing reads, child-free woman cancels trip with mom friends because she's tired of hearing about babies.

Travel Industry Today

All mixed up: cheeky campaign tackles tourist confusion between sweden and switzerland.

People still get Sweden and Switzerland mixed up, according to Visit Sweden. Every year, the tourist board says, 120,000 people google the question: “Are Sweden and Switzerland the same?” Even the most informed and powerful people on earth can’t always tell the two countries apart – a world leader, the New York Stock Exchange, and a famous pop star have all experienced this. Determined to end the confusion once and for all, Sweden is now proposing actions.

A recent study commissioned by Visit Sweden in the US uncovered that 50% of respondents are not confident in their ability to decipher differences in Swedish and Swiss cultures. The confusion sometimes has greater implications: one in 10 American respondents has admitted to booking, or nearly booking a flight, tour or activity in the wrong country when travelling to Sweden or Switzerland.

Meanwhile, more than one in 10 Brits admitted confusing Sweden and Switzerland as being the same, and 28% also wrongly highlighted IKEA or ABBA as things they loved about Switzerland rather than Sweden.

To that end, Visit Sweden, is reaching out to their European neighbour with a draft “settlement” between the two countries that determines who talks about what.

With a good dose of humour, Sweden is highlighting aspects that are known to attract travellers.

Sweden’s plea is simple: “We will communicate things like sandbanks, rooftops, and silence. Meanwhile, Switzerland will focus on banks, mountain tops, and yodelling,” says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden.

“If people struggle to separate our two countries, we need to help them,” she adds. “We can’t change the names of our nations, but we can become more distinct. Sweden offers luxury of a different nature. That’s why we believe it’s time to decide who promotes what, and hopefully we can reach an agreement.”

Andersson says, “We are still waiting for an official response, but we’re hoping that Switzerland is willing to negotiate with us on this important matter. And hopefully in the future, tourists will know that they are visiting Sweden (and not Switzerland).”

The full proposition (and video) can be seen at https://visitsweden.com/sweden-not-switzerland/ .

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.