RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
FIKA WITH NEW FRIENDS
WEST SWEDEN, SWEDEN
By interacting with locals, travelers can form genuine connections and create more memorable travel experiences. On your next trip, watch for organized programs that give you opportunities, like this one in Sweden, to interact with locals and gain a greater appreciation of the destination at the same time.
What's
changing
Travelers are increasingly seeking deeper, more authentic cultural experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. This growing demand for genuine interactions with locals has led to the creation of immersive experiences that provide a true sense of a place and its people.
What's already
possible
In West Sweden, “Meet the Locals” is an online platform that connects visitors with locals who have signed up to offer cultural exchanges and meaningful travel connections.
Seizing
the opportunity
Since 2017, the West Sweden Tourist Board has invited locals to share their hobbies, lifestyles and towns with visitors. Travelers to the area use an online platform to learn about these residents and the experiences they offer. Activities range from meeting up for “fika” (socializing over coffee and pastries), visiting people in their gardens, riding mountain bikes or taking art tours. When visitors want to meet a local during a trip, they get in contact via an app. The program is available to anyone, and interested locals can sign up on the website.
Standout
tactic
While many local meetups are free, some may involve a small fee to cover costs for food or other provisions. This approach differentiates the initiative from commercial platforms, like Airbnb Experiences, and offers a more community-driven and genuine interaction than a business transaction.
How
it helps
More than 20 local experiences are currently listed on West Sweden’s “Meet the Locals” site. It promotes local pride and provides a path for potential entrepreneurs to try micro business ideas.
Diving
deeper
How can cultural sharing initiatives balance the benefits of authentic local interactions with the potential increase in carbon emissions from travel?
Increasing
impact
To increase local participation, the program could collaborate with local businesses and artisans to create bundled experiences that combine a meetup with discounted local products or services. This could support the local economy and provide travelers with a more comprehensive cultural experience.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
