Gothenburg in Sweden is a clean city with beautiful green areas. The people have a good knowledge of languages and are friendly, particularly the taxi drivers. However, information at the quayside and transport into the city centre could be improved. These are just some of the views of the passengers on the cruise ships that put into Gothenburg during the summer.
There has been an explosion in the number of cruise visitors who have chosen to see Gothenburg in recent years. This year, 65,000 visitors arrived on 52 vessels. This can be compared to the 3,600 visitors who arrived on five vessels in 2002.
Jill Södervall, Head of Cruise Operations at the Gothenburg Port Authority, commented: "The increase is largely a result of focused collaboration between the Port of Gothenburg and Göteborg & Co."
The Port of Gothenburg and Göteborg & Co have for the first time conducted a major survey to find out what the cruise visitors felt about Gothenburg, and also to find out where they came from, what they did when they were in the city and their opinions on about how they were received.
The highest marks went to the green areas in the city, the friendliness and language skills of the people and the level of service among taxi drivers. The travellers also appreciated the many cafes and restaurants in the city, the range of shops and the fact that it was clean. On the other hand, they were not quite as satisfied with the transport to and from the city centre. Information at the quayside about what there is to see and do in the city could also be improved.
Jill Södervall continued: "The survey provides us with valuable information about areas in which we can improve to ensure visitors are even more satisfied."
Important source of income for the city
Cruise visitors spent a total of SEK 40 million in Gothenburg during the summer. Those who took a guided tour (37 per cent) spent around SEK 980, whilst those who made their own way around spent around SEK 480. The visitors spent most money on food, drink and shopping – and it was mainly clothes, local handicrafts and souvenirs that prompted them to open their wallets and purses.
First time in Gothenburg for many
The majority of cruise visitors to Gothenburg came from Germany, the UK, the USA and Spain although there were also visitors from Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and a number of other countries. Around 57 per cent had never been to Sweden before and for 77 per cent it was their first time in Gothenburg.
Sara Erikson, Head of Cruise Operations at Göteborg & Co, commented: "The survey shows how vitally important cruising is to the tourist industry when it comes to bringing visitors here for the first time."
Four out of five visitors were under the age of 65 years. The average age was 51 years. Cruise visitors to Gothenburg from Asia were considerably younger with an average age of 37 years.
