Oslo

Opportunities for airlines

Oslo is "in" – the press showers praise on Norway’s capital, while an increasing number of visitors come for the Oslo experience. With new major attractions about to open and a vibrant business and startup scene, there is no end in sight for this positive trend. Indicators include:

• Large growth of hotel capacity and Airbnb bookings
• Rising passenger numbers – both domestic and international, especially in the VFR and leisure segments
• Growing MICE market – the number of conferences has more than doubled
• Much potential for even more off-season travel
• Oslo’s rise as a culture and food destination

Oslo is the place to be – please contact us to find out more, and to discuss the data and the outstanding opportunities available!

Oslo in depth

Visitors are flocking to experience Oslo – and the excitement in the press only strengthens the trend: "The New Capital of Scandi-Cool", titles Men’s Journal, The Times considers Oslo "the new capital of cool", while the New York Times sings the praise of Oslo as a food destination.

Source: visitoslo.com

Photographer: Thomas Johannessen

And there is no end in sight. The new Deichmann main library will be completed in 2020 as one of the world’s most modern libraries, housed in an impressive building that adds yet another attraction for those interested in contemporary architecture. The new Munch Museum will open its doors in 2020 to accommodate the rising number of visitors. Finally, a new national museum which opens in 2021, will put on display older and modern art and become the largest art museum in the Nordic countries.

No doubt, Oslo’s rise in popularity is ongoing. One indicator is the city’s hotel capacity, which has grown by 17% from late 2018 to 2020, especially in Downtown and the Barcode District – the famous architectural project close to the new opera house. Airbnb bookings have gone up as well by 21% from 2017 to 2018.

Passenger Numbers on the Rise

Cultural attractions like an exciting design scene, music and modern architecture can be enjoyed all year round. Oslo’s cool atmosphere gives visitors a unique experience of a modern Northern capital regardless of weather conditions and temperatures. Together with the steadily growing business traffic, this leads to much potential for off-season travel. Passenger numbers have increased accordingly, especially in the leisure and VFR segments:

A Vibrant Business and Startup Scene

Oslo’s appeal is not limited to tourism. Part of the "new cool" is a vibrant startup and business scene. The author of a Forbes piece writes that "Oslo is currently the European startup hub to watch, while in terms of startup investment in Nordic countries, Norway leads the way". Oslo-based tech companies like Huddly have become international leaders in their markets. One reason for Oslo’s success as a startup location is the concerted effort by public agencies and private initiatives such as hubs and accelerators to help entrepreneurs get off the ground. This will ensure further development of the city as an international hot spot of creativity and business ideas.

Source: visitoslo.com

Photographer: Thomas Johannessen

The MICE market (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) is developing very positively as well. Oslo has always been an important location for conferences and meetings, but we have seen a very positive trend during the last decade: the number of conferences taking place in Oslo has more than doubled since 2011.

Furthermore, Oslo is in a great position to profit from the ‘bleisure’ trend: visitors who combine business meetings and conferences with leisure activities. Oslo’s uniquely compact size facilitates this development: the city can be experienced in a short time, even by foot.

In Oslo, it’s happening – there is much more to tell. Please contact us to discuss Oslo’s development, get more data and exchange ideas on opportunities for route development.