Viola Ehrig, driver tyska researrangörsbyrån Die Welt Wartet, som riktar sig mot barnfamiljer. 2022 upptäckte Viola Sverige, vilket har blivit en populär och uppskattad destination för just hennes målgrupp, som är en starkt växande sådan. Jag ville veta mer vilken potential, utmaningar och behov Viola såg i Sverige. 

1. What makes Sweden attractive to German families with children, in your experience?
   Sweden is very attractive to German families, because many parents grew up with the stories of Astrid Lindgren (who is very popular in Germany) and so they connect Sweden with childhood stories, neverending summer holidays and good times. It’s that image of Sweden with untouched nature, long summer days and fun for the kids. Also, Germans love the typical Swedish houses and like to spend time in holiday homes surrounded by nature. Furthermore, it’s a bit advantage for Sweden, that it is easy accessible by car as well, for families who don’t want to take a flight.
   
   
2. What is your best advice for an accommodation or acitivity supplier to keep in mind when trying to attract families with children?
   For holiday homes: It is highly appreciated if there is a baby cot and a high chair available. If there’s something like a small playground in the garden, that’s the top end of the list of course! For activities it’s best, if they are suitable or have options for different ages. So families with two (or more kids) at different ages can all join in. Especially for Southern-German families it’d be nice, if activities were still available end of August/beginning of September, because it’s still holidays here and a popular time to travel.
   
   
3. Can you share an example of a popular package from DWW, maybe a bestseller or a particularly well-designed product? We don’t really have that one bestseller, since we also sell a lot of motorhome trips. But if it comes down to familiy friendly accommodation we sell those ones quite a lot: https://www.dieweltwartet.de/reiseideen/familienurlaub-griechenland and https://www.dieweltwartet.de/reiseideen/familienurlaub-italien-ferien-auf-dem-bauernhof-azienda-gallo
   We like to sell small hotels that have that very personal charm, like Halmstad Gardshotell for example. It’s beautifully designed and we know the owners take good care of our guests. When it comes to acitivities, it’s also the connection to local people. Cykla i Filmlandskapet Småland is a good example: The two Carinas are just incredible guides, because they share personal stories and make the tours special and unforgettable.
   
   
4. Have you noticed any new trends or travel behaviours among your clients recently?
   More clients are avoiding the South in high season/summer months. Traveling within Europe becomes more popular. Especially families who have been to New Zealand/Australia in the past year are enquiring about the Scandinavian countries for one of their next trips. It’s also a rather similar clientel.
   
   
5. Is there a particular need or specific product you are currently on the lookout for in Sweden for the next season?
   I’m always looking for family friendly accommodation, especially little farms /charming holiday houses.
   
   
   Thanks for sharing your knowledge, insigths and experiences Viola!