Tourism consumption exceeded NOK 100 billion

Norwegian and foreign tourists spent NOK 108 billion in Norway in 2008 according to preliminary figures. Norwegian business travellers in particular contributed to the growth in total tourism consumption from 2004 to 2008.

In the period 2004 to 2008, the total tourism consumption increased by 30 per cent measured in current prices. The increase in value was strongest at the beginning of that period. Norwegian business travellers in particular contributed to the change, with a value increase of 37 per cent. Their consumption constituted NOK 23 billion in 2008.

Norwegian households spent more than NOK 53 billion on holidays in Norway or on prepaid expenses for holidays abroad last year. This was 30 per cent more than in 2004. By comparison, households spent about 60 per cent more during their travels abroad in 2008 than four years earlier. It is worth noting that the expenses incurred by Norwegian residents during their travels abroad are not included in the calculations of the tourism satellite accounts.

The tourism industries employed 159 400 people in 2006. This corresponded to 132 000 full-time employee equivalents. The level has barely changed since 1996.

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