According to Thomas Jakobsson, hotels increased their lodging income by 80 percent the week Eurovision came to Stockholm in 2016. In Malmö 2013, the increase was twice as large – 160 percent.
– The lower the occupancy rate, the more you can earn compared to normal.
“Everybody wants this”
But which Swedish city will receive the extra contribution to the tourism industry is still uncertain.
– Everyone will want this, but unfortunately only one will get it.
Although the immediate effect is very strong, Thomas Jakobsson emphasizes that the big effect is the long-term one.
– Eurovision is like a single five-hour commercial – for all of Sweden, says the chief economist.