Chinese tourists in Sweden are few and make up only 2 percent of tourism in Sweden, but are growing rapidly. So this year, there are few Chinese tourists in Sweden but now it is largely a stop after the outbreak of the corona virus. Swedish hotels have seen several cancellations.

"The big risk is that it is spreading and that you get much greater travel restrictions in other countries that traditionally have more visitors in Sweden," says Thomas Jakobsson, chief economist at Visita, industry and employer organization for the hospitality industry.

Big money at stake

Most Chinese tourists choose to stay in hotels. Last year they accounted for over 400,000 guest nights at all types of accommodation. An increase of nearly 60,000, or 17 per cent on the previous year, shows fresh figures from Tillväxtverket. But now the concern for cancellations ahead of the summer season is growing as most Chinese tourists come.

- They often come in full bus loads. Then it is not a person booking off but maybe 60, and that of course poses problems for the hotels, says Thomas Jakobsson at Visita.