Nyhet -
Studenter från Högskolan Dalarna utforskar mobilitetsutmaningar under studieresa i SITE området
Före jul genomförde studenter från det internationella magisterprogrammet i turism- och destinationsutveckling vid Högskolan Dalarna ett studiebesök i SITE-området. Under ledning av ansvarig lärare, fil.dr. docent Tobias Heldt, fick studenterna under tre dagar lära känna området: både genom själva studieresan där Sälen, Trysil, Engerdal och Idre alla besöktes, men också genom inspirerande presentationer och fördjupade diskussioner med flertalet aktörer i SITE-området.
Erfarenheter från flera olika länder
Under studenternas pågående kurs i Evenemangsturism har de i uppgift att under tre veckor arbeta med förslag på evenemang och aktiviteter med särskild koppling till de mobilitetsutmaningar som finns i området. Till hjälp har studenterna teorier och goda exempel från litteraturen samt de erfarenheter de själva har med sig från sina länder och hemorter; ex. Schweiz (Davos), Frankrike (Chambery), Tyskland, Nederländerna, Irland, Spanien, Danmark, Grekland, Sydafrika och Indonesien.
”En mycket givande och inspirerande studieresa! SITE-området kommer att bli genomlyst på djupet utifrån dess geografiska läge och mobilitetens utmaningar. Det ska bli spännande att se och höra om studenternas förslag på möjliga nya koncept och produkter när slutredovisningen sker den 16e januari. Ett stort tack till alla inblandade inom SITE som gjorde studieresan möjlig! – hälsar docent Heldt”
Travelogue by Rodolfo Talua, student Dalarna University
Day 1 of our Field Trip to the SITE destinations (Salen, Idre, Trysil, and Engerdal)
We met with Anders Bjernulf, CEO of Concept store Lindvallen, Jonas Edlund (Skistar sustainability manager), and Therese Nielsen, the Communication head of SITE Destination. During the meeting, we learned about the SITE destination's “new realities” and challenges. We also heard about Skistar's sustainability practices and how their tourism activities align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. We also learned about their marketing strategies and how different communication channels were used to market the SITE destination to various segments of the market. We stayed overnight at the beautiful SkiStar Lodge and had a sumptuous dinner at their restaurant.
Day 2: Trysil, Norway
On day 2 of our field trip, we crossed the Swedish border and arrived in Trysil, Norway. There we met Ida Dyreng of Destination Trysil. From her presentation, we learned about Destination Trysil’s tourism strategy for 2030 where they highlight their story as a successful destination for holding commercial events which generated economic benefits in the region.
She also talked about their organizational structure as a privately owned DMO, their all-year destination development plan, and the latest marketing strategies such as the use of AI in marketing.
Day 2: Engerdal, Norway
On the same day, we traveled to Engerdal, Norway a small and humble municipality with a traditional warmth and charm. We were welcomed by Mia Faldmo of Destination Femund Engerdal and her colleagues. Engerdal is a charming town rich in culture and history. In this destination, we learned about their strong focus on sustainable tourism with an emphasis on summer products to complement the winter products offered by other SITE destinations. Their events mainly highlight traditional and culture-based events like dog sled racing, outdoor theater, white water rafting, sleigh riding, Christmas markets, and other smaller events. They also mentioned a major challenge of the destination such as the mobility of people due to its remote location. The same challenge is shared by all SITE destinations.
Day 3: Idre
We stayed the night at a cabin in Idre. It was a relaxing and comfortable place to stay after a long day of traveling from Norway. After a sumptuous breakfast, the class had fun sliding in the snow. Then, we met Maria Cutova of Idre fjäll events. Maria talked about how she and her team manage international events at the resort. She stressed the importance of planning and considering even the minor details of event planning and management. She also highlights how they collaborate with the Sami community and involve local businesses in planning a year-long series of events. We learned that they focus more on holding international sports competitions at their destination.
Finally, proceed to our last stop, a newly opened ski resort - Idre Himmelfjäll. Everything in the resort is fresh and new. We were greeted by Mari Tara CEO of Himmelfjäll. In her presentation, she discussed the current and future infrastructure developments in the area. Their targets and how they progressed in meeting them in the past years. Maria discussed the circular economy model in their business development and expansion. This resort is special because they designed their resort using sustainable building design architecture utilizing natural design and materials to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
Here is my reflection on the trip
This trip has been very memorable for me because it was my first time to visit a ski resort, not just 1 but 4 mountain ski resorts! It was also my first time to visit Norway. Wish we had more time to explore Norway and each destination. As someone coming from a tropical region, seeing mountains of snow, sliding, and playing with snow is rather an exotic experience. It was fun!
During our visit, we learned about the current and future development plans and challenges that confront each destination like access and mobility. Each SITE destination has its unique charm that can attract visitors to enjoy.
In 3 days, I have seen the beauty of SITE destination and what they have to offer. From the state-of-the-art Scandinavian Mountain Airport to the modern lodging of Skistar in Sälen and Trysil, to the warm and cozy cabins of Idre. Of course the highlight of it all, their snow-covered slopes that spell fun, excitement, and adrenaline rush. The SITE destination is truly an exciting family destination that can easily inspire anyone to have fun in the snow regardless of age. No wonder, the SITE destination is loved by locals and attracts international visitors through their events and sports competitions.
The facilities in Sälen, Trysil, and Idre are amazing but I am also inspired by the warmth and humility of Engerdal as a small destination. They may be small yet they have much to offer rooting from their rich culture and tradition.
Thank you SITE for accommodating us and letting us experience the fun and adventure in the mountains of Sweden and Norway! I will share my experiences with family and friends and will come back again one day!
/Rodolfo Talua, student Dalarna University
