On Saturday, the festivities in connection with Eurovision begin.
Restaurants, cafes and bars hope for financial profit, but what the final bill will be for the taxpayers, the city of Malmö cannot yet answer.
– We do what we have to, says security director Per-Erik Ebbeståhl.
The restaurant-filled street between the train station and Folkets park has been transformed into Eurovision Street. A newly opened bakery is preparing for the coming days by, among other things, applying for an alcohol permit.
– We think we will deploy a little more staff. Above all, we will have a nice outdoor dining area where we will serve some good drinks, says Peter Martinsson, co-owner of Casual Bakery.
Three times more visitors
It was eleven years since Malmö last hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. At the time, it was expected that there would be around 30,000 visitors from various countries. This year, the expected number has tripled.
Despite a different security situation, the city of Malmö expects that there will be at least 100,000 visitors.
– Spending will increase in the city. Our hotels are fully booked, you will eat, you will experience things, you will transport yourself, says Anna Wittgren, marketing director for the environment and business in Malmö city.
Flexible budget due to security
The official budget is SEK 30 million. A budget that was set before the extent of the security effort that was made in connection with the event was understood.
– Right now we are implementing the measures we need to take to guarantee a safe and secure event, says Per-Erik Ebbeståhl.
The city of Malmö has calculated the costs for security, but maintains that the calculation needs to be flexible. What the final bill ends up being for security companies, more police and fire alarms, taxpayers can only find out after Eurovision is over.
It is difficult for Peter Martinsson to predict how much the new bakery is expected to contribute to profit.
– Considering how many tourists are expected to come here, it should be good. But you never know, we’ve only been open for a month and a half so it’s hard to say. But we are betting big on it being a hit here, he says.