In total, Region Gotland pays the government special compensation of between SEK 244 and 258 million annually during the remaining contract period. In a press release, the region believes that the current price situation is “deeply problematic” from a regional development perspective.
– The risk of relocation, company exclusion and impaired supply of skills is palpable. The hospitality industry is already seeing the effects of people waiting to book or choosing other destinations altogether. This has effects throughout Gotland society, says Meit Fohlin, the chairman of the regional board in the press release.
244 to 258 million per year
Region Gotland believes that a state aid of approximately SEK 44 million per year is needed just to compensate for the increase in the freight price implemented in 2023. With regard to passenger traffic, Region Gotland expects an indicative annual need of SEK 200 million.
– All in all, Region Gotland claims support equivalent to SEK 244-258 million per year. For this, we take support from the EU Treaty, Article 174, which is about reducing the differences between the conditions of different regions and about bridging geographical barriers for islands, says Torsten Flemming, acting regional director.
Concerns about fewer tourists to the island were raised early when the ticket price was raised. See more in the clip below:
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