So, yesterday we went to Malmö to attend an event for the travel industry. We were there to mingle and to meet some people. It was amazing and so much fun. Everything was made perfect and we also got some really eye-opening insights. We often miss these kinds of events and now we will try to attend more of them!

Antor – Association of the National Tourist Office Representatives in Sweden

We have been in Stockholm for the Antor meetups before, but this was the first time that we came to Malmö. I really tried to be prepared this time and I had made press kits to give to the different representatives for the different countries. Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding with the printers and we got our kits in HUGE size (and not the regular paper size). Oh, well it created some laughs when we were giving them out.

It’s always so special when we go to such events. Everything is well organized and prepared and it is a really well-oiled machine. Some of the people, we consider our friends and we love connecting with them. A super interesting thing that we got to take part in was Jesper Klockarenson’s lecture on sustainable tourism. I got several “aha- moments” during his speech.

Responsible tourism

There is so much going on right now in the travel industry. For example, #flyshaming (#flygskam in Swedish) is a new thing where people stop flying because they can’t justify their travels with the impact it has on the environment. A lot of the newspapers find new things to complain about all the time. Before, it was flying. Now it’s all about the cruises and how they destroy the world.

But, there are also a lot of good things that come from traveling. Tourism contributes to a lot of good things to… for example:

• It generates important income and creates jobs!
• Distributes economic resources between rich and poor.
• Increases understanding between people.

Greenhouse gases and climate change

Here are some statistics that Jesper provided us with yesterday. I don’t take credit for any of it – I am strictly copying one of his power points to prove a point. A point that gave both Mini and I an “aha moment”

1. Aviation is currently accountable for 2 percent on global CO2 emissions.
2. Transportation is accountable for about 13 percent of the global GHG emissions.
3. Animal Agriculture is responsible for about 18 percent of the global GHG emissions.
4. Deforestation is accountable for 20 – 25 percent of the global CO2 emissions.

Jesper Klockarenson at Fair travel

Doesn’t that make you think? The thing is that all the travel companies must stop seeing growth as a measurement for success and look at the impact. It’s all about giving quality instead of quantity. And working longterm with sustainability.

More mingle and great food and prices at the Antor meetup

Like I already stated, this was a great event. If we could wish for something, it would be that it would last longer because there were people that we didn’t get a chance to talk to. The event ended with a nice dinner and beverages. The food was delicious and we also met some really nice fellow bloggers and photographers at the event that we got to know and talk to.

We also met Daniela and Göran from Discovering the planet – always nice meeting those guys! They are Swedish travel bloggers that live in a town close to where we grew up! Lastly I want to thank Antor for creating such a great event and for inviting us! Until next time!