A brand new financial influence examine, known as the ‘Ripple Report’, has highlighted how Hurtigruten’s iconic Norwegian coastal voyages considerably strengthen the native economic system within the communities they go to, proving that cruise tourism is usually a key driver in Norway if native worth creation is prioritised and sustainably managed.
The examine by Menon Economics discovered that Hurtigruten and its company generates NOK 2.6 billion (equal to round €219 million, £192 million, $257 million, A$398 million) in worth creation yearly by purchases of products and providers alongside Norway’s coast. In 2024, practically 200,000 company travelled with Hurtigruten, producing 684,000 visitor nights, which in flip supported over 4,000 jobs.
Hurtigruten has lengthy been a part of Norway’s nationwide infrastructure, offering year-round sailings for native travellers, cargo, and worldwide vacationers since 1893. Whereas many locations are proscribing customer numbers or limiting cruise arrivals, Hurtigruten’s smaller ships, every carrying round 500 passengers, distribute travellers throughout 34 coastal ports – some with just a few hundred residents. This method ensures tourism income flows on to native suppliers, retailers, and providers, quite than concentrating in just a few hotspots.
“Tourism must be greater than sightseeing. It should create worth, jobs, and a constructive influence on the communities it touches,” mentioned Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten. “For over 130 years, Hurtigruten has been a lifeline alongside Norway’s coast, connecting individuals, items, and cultures. World wide, we’re seeing an ever-growing demand for tourism that actively protects the locations travellers come to expertise. Our rigorously managed method exhibits how journey, and particularly the cruise business, can actually assist native communities as an alternative of straining or overwhelming them. By involving these communities at each step, tourism turns into a real power for good – and the instance we’re setting right here in Norway can encourage change throughout our whole business.”
Key figures from 2024
- 200,000 company producing 684,000 visitor nights
- 208,000 excursions bought in Northern Norway throughout 70 experiences, delivered in partnership with 65 native operators
- 4,010 direct and oblique jobs supported nationwide
- 70 native food and drinks suppliers offering over three million onboard meals
- 47,000 cargo shipments transported between Bergen and Kirkenes
In Kjøllefjord, a small fishing village of about 1,000 residents on the Nordkinn Peninsula, entrepreneur Jan Olav Evensen began providing snowmobile excursions and Sámi cultural experiences 18 years in the past. By shut cooperation with Hurtigruten, his firm Arctic Coast has flourished, changing into a part of Norway’s journey tourism development.
“Hurtigruten is the spine of our operations. We began from zero eighteen years in the past, and the predictability of the settlement with Hurtigruten permits us to construct different actions with tour operators in new markets. In an business that’s typically seasonal, this partnership has created year-round jobs in native tourism. That’s extremely vital in a fishing village with so few residents,” says Evensen.
Earlier this 12 months, Hurtigruten introduced their ‘Open Village’ experiences could be increasing throughout their complete Signature fleet from 2026. The experiences supply unique, community-led visits to the distant villages of Træna, Bessaker, and Sæbø between Might and September – immersing company in native traditions, selfmade delicacies, and cultural actions at no additional value. As a part of the initiative, Hurtigruten contributes NOK 250 (round £18/€20) per visitor to every village, straight supporting over a dozen native companies and serving to protect group life.
About Hurtigruten
Since 1893, Hurtigruten has linked Norway’s coastal communities. They transport locals, cargo, and worldwide company to 34 ports alongside the legendary 12-day spherical journey between Bergen and Kirkenes – crusing what is commonly known as ‘the world’s most lovely voyage’.
At this time, their custom-built fleet gives genuine, immersive experiences, showcasing the pure magnificence and cultural richness of this beautiful shoreline and the communities that decision it residence.
Dedicated to setting a better commonplace for extra sustainable journey initiatives, their fleet consists of 4 battery-hybrid powered ships, whereas they prioritise power effectivity, accountable waste administration and domestically sourced components. By their formidable Sea Zero challenge, Hurtigruten goals to develop their first ship that may sail emissions-free in regular operations on the Norwegian coast by 2030.
Hurtigruten operates year-round, providing two totally different experiences: the Authentic Coastal Categorical voyages and the premium, all-inclusive Signature voyages, devoted to Svalbard (summer time) and the North Cape (winter).
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