Aurora Safaris has been named the winner of the 2023 Grand Tourism Prize. The company is praised for its contribution to putting Sweden on the world map.
From starting out as the world’s first Arctic winter glamping, Aurora Safaris has been Aurora Safaris has expanded a decade later to include three nature-based lodges and a wide range of Arctic natural and cultural experiences. A constant innovation of internationally viable Arctic experiences has made Aurora Safaris relevant to the global curious explorer and the tour operators selling Arctic Sweden.
Aurora Safaris is the 30th recipient of the Grand Tourism Prize, awarded by the Foundation for Knowledge Promotion in Tourism. The award was presented at a glittering ceremony at the Münchenbryggeriet in Stockholm on Wednesday evening by Yngve Bergqvist, founder of Ishotell and the first winner of the Grand Tourism Prize.
“Aurora Safaris has created an innovative and successful concept where they have not only developed their own business but actively worked to uplift the whole place they operate in. They create the conditions for a vibrant countryside where Råne Älvdal is a place that retains and attracts new residents to live and work. This makes them worthy winners of the 2023 Grand Tourism Prize”, said Katrien Vanhaverbeke, Chair of the Foundation for the Promotion of Knowledge in Tourism.
Motivation for the winner of the 2023 Grand Tourism Prize:
“In an innovative and sustainable way, Aurora Safaris offers Arctic experiences that put Sweden on the world map. In an extraordinary way, they have involved the whole community in a joint development journey with many winners. They are a true role model and inspiration for other companies.“
The nominees for the 2023 Grand Tourism Prize were:
Alma Löv Museum, Värmland
Aurora Safaris, Norrbotten
Äventyrsgruvan Tuna Hästberg, Dalarna
Böda Sand Beach Resort, Kalmar County
Borkhult Lapphem, Östergötland
Dalsland activities, Västra Götaland
Hernö Gin, Västernorrland
Huseby Bruk, Kronoberg
K-labeled, Stockholm County
Körsbärsgården, Gotland
Matresan, Örebro County
Noors Slott, Uppsala County
Strömma Farmlodge, Halland
Sörmland Museum, Södermanland
Sweden Rock Festival, Blekinge
The Steam Hotel, Västmanland
Trakt Forest Hotel, Jönköping County
Vildriket, Gävleborg
Wild River, Västerbotten
Österlen Spring Trail, Skåne
Åre Destination, Jämtland Härjedalen
About the Grand Tourism Prize
The Grand Tourism Prize is awarded to a company or other organization that has contributed to the development of the tourism industry in a new, innovative and sustainable way. The prize is awarded for the 30th consecutive year by the Foundation for Knowledge Promotion in Tourism, which aims to promote the development of knowledge in Swedish tourism. The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth is the foundation’s principal.
