Vasaloppet won the Grand Tourism Award 2021

The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth acts as the principal for the Foundation for the promotion of knowledge within tourism, which awards the tourism award Stora Turismpriset (”Grand Tourism Award”), and works to spread knowledge throughout the tourism industry. The 21 candidates are nominated by their respective counties; Visit Dalarna does the nomination for Dalarna’s candidate. The award was given out in connection with the conference ”Besöksnäringen på agendan”. Vasaloppet won in competition with destinations that are well known both nationally and internationally, such as Gröna Lund in Stockholm, Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi and the Medieval Week in Visby.

”This means even more in a year like this. We’re looking back at what was probably the toughest year for the whole industry. At the same time it’s been a very educational period and we’ve developed as an organisation. 100-year-old Vasaloppet has been living like a startup! It means a lot to be recognized in this way. We’re an engine for exercise and public health and also for regional and national development,” said Johan Eriksson, Vasaloppet CEO, when accepting the award.

Johan Eriksson was visibly moved by the recognition which, besides the honour, carries a prize of 100,000 SEK.
”We’re a whole town that have worked hard for this. Now that Vasaloppet has completed its first hundred years, we’re setting our sights on the next hundred. It’s a great privilege to work with this and it means a lot to the community and region.”

Motivation for the winner of Stora Turismpriset 2021
”As an engine for exercise and health in Sweden, Vasaloppet inspires people to get moving all year round. Vasaloppet is a role model that has used great creativity to develop new products and reached new target groups to continue making Dalarna an attractive region to visit. Their constant focus on sustainability creates strong long-term results that benefit sports clubs as well as the tourism and hospitality industry.”

”All nominees have innovation and a focus on sustainability in common. During the pandemic, they have emerged from the crisis by betting big instead of slowing down. Vasaloppet is an excellent example of an organization that has creatively developed its activities and reached more target groups,” says Lars Christensen, chairman of the Foundation for the promotion of knowledge within tourism.

About Stora Turismpriset
For the 28th year in a row, the Swedish tourism prize is awarded to an organisation that has, in a new and innovative way, contributed to the development of the tourism industry. Every county nominates candidates that proceed to compete for the national award.

Criteria for the grand tourism award states that the nominees must:
– contribute to new and innovative development in the tourism industry
– develop, spread and share knowledge to strengthen the tourism industry
– methodically and purposefully develop a sustainable business
– have managed to restructure their approach during their pandemic

The Stora Turismpriset 2021 nominees
Icehotel, Norrbotten, Västerbotten Experience, Västerbotten, Hotell Klövsjöfjäll, Jämtland Härjedalen, Bröderna Bommen, Västernorrland, Trolska Skogen, Gävleborg, Vasaloppet, Dalarna, Kraftstationen i Deje, Värmland, Krogen som inte finns, Örebro, Aktivt Uteliv Björnögården, Västmanland, Gamla Uppsala Museum, Uppsala län, Gröna Lund, Stockholm, Slussens pensionat, Västra Götaland, Bergs gård in Trosa, Södermanland, Vadstena Klosterhotel, Östergötland, Medeltidsveckan, Gotland, Wallby Säteri, Jönköping, Ästad Vingård, Halland, Kosta Safaripark, Kronoberg, Stufvenäs Gästgifveri, Kalmar, Hotell Mossbylund, Skåne, Mörrums Kronolaxfiske, Blekinge.

Watch a video with all the nominees

Sources: Visit Dalarna and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Image source: The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.

VISIT DALARNA IN ENGLISH >

SWEDISH AGENCY OF ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH, IN ENGLISH >