Frederikshavn woos naval conscripts with sandwiches and discounts

Frederikshavn is offering new naval conscripts sandwiches, goodie bags and discount cards in an effort to persuade them to stay in the city or return later, DR reports.

Around 80 conscripts took part in a running and welcome event where they were introduced to the city and its opportunities. They also met local young people and received discounts at restaurants and shops.

Dan Kobberup, commercial director of the FREDERIK business association, said the initiative was intended to leave the conscripts with a positive impression of Frederikshavn.

“When they have finished their conscription, they can think back to the city,” he said. “Perhaps they will return at some point. We simply want to show the city in the best possible way.”

The number of 18 to 20-year-olds in Frederikshavn Municipality has fallen by about 15 percent over the past decade, according to Statistics Denmark. Kobberup said the figures showed that a proactive effort was needed to attract more young people.

“We are becoming more and more elderly, and we would really like to attract more young people and make ourselves attractive so they return to the city,” he said.

One of the participants, Kian Schaumann, normally lives in Fredericia. He said it was useful that the city had taken the time to introduce itself, although the sandwiches and discount cards were not the main attraction.

“It is not what attracts me most. But it is good to know that there is a good city to move to if I want to continue in the armed forces afterwards,” he said.

Schaumann said he could also imagine settling in Frederikshavn if some of his new naval colleagues decided to do so.