Extreme heat makes Swedes rethink summer holidays in Europe

Nearly half of Swedes say the risk of extreme heat will make them less likely to take summer holidays in Europe in the future, according to an opinion poll commissioned by SVT.

The survey by Indikator found that 48 percent of respondents believe periods of extreme heat will reduce their willingness to vacation in Europe during the summer months. Of those, 26 percent said they would be much less likely to travel, while 22 percent said they would be somewhat less likely.

“Economically, Sweden can benefit from this,” travel expert Lottie Knutson told SVT.

She said prices for last-minute trips to the Mediterranean were currently very low, while regular flights to hotter destinations could cost less than flights to more northerly regions.

Knutson said the changing attitudes could have “extremely significant” consequences for the travel and tourism industries.

“It is hugely important for Swedish tourism, which already accounts for 2.8 percent of GDP. That share will increase,” she said.

She expects more people to avoid the Mediterranean during the hottest months and travel instead in spring and autumn. She also believes many will choose to stay in Sweden.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Sweden. Of course, we must take care of it so that it remains sustainable and beneficial in the long term. But economically, Sweden can gain from this,” Knutson said.

Older respondents more reluctant to travel

The survey found a clear difference between age groups. Among respondents aged 65 and over, 39 percent said they would be much less likely to holiday in Europe because of the risk of extreme heat. The corresponding figure among those aged 18 to 29 was 10 percent.

“Older people are less tolerant of heat. It can even be a cause of death,” Knutson said.

Another 36 percent of all respondents said the risk of extreme heat would make them neither more nor less likely to take a holiday in Europe. Nine percent said it would make them more likely to do so.

The survey was conducted by Indikator Opinion through its randomly recruited Swedish panel from July 23 to 29, 2026. A total of 1,863 responses were collected, with a participation rate of 40 percent. The results were weighted by gender, age and voting choice in the 2022 election.