Page 73 - MELLBY_MAGASIN_2022_WEB_EN
P. 73
E R I KS B E R G V I LT & N AT U R
Eriksberg ready to highlight
Blekinge to the rest of the world
Nestled in forests, hills and archipelago, a visit to Scandinavia’s largest safari park
is simply unforgettable. Sustainability, biodiversity, architecture and design are at
the heart of this exclusive and unique hotel and conference facility, which has the
ambition of encouraging the entire world to become one with nature.
Where Eriksberg is concerned, 2022 has been a challenging BORDERLESS BLEKINGE
year in many ways, according to CEO Per-Arne Olsson. Eriksberg is Blekinge’s single largest employer in the tourism industry
The restrictions imposed during the pandemic, the and a driving force in several different local initiatives to boost
opportunity to finally go on a holiday to the sun and major increases Blekinge’s appeal as a destination. Its sights are set far beyond the
in the cost of electricity, fuel, food and drink have meant that region’s borders, with a view to attracting new visitors.
Eriksberg has had to become even more creative.
The Blekinge archipelago is identified by UNESCO as an area with
“At our company we have the attitude that challenges strengthen us unique natural and cultural values along the 56th parallel north. You
and give us a chance to innovate and do things better,” says Per-Arne can experience the ARK56 biosphere reserve there on foot, by bike,
Olsson. “We’re in the process of developing a dedicated commercial in a kayak or on an archipelago boat. The Archipelago Walk 2023
team, revitalizing our sales efforts and running projects that boost suspension bridge project will make it possible to hike between
Blekinge’s attractiveness as a visitor destination.” coastal islets and skerries on Scandinavia’s longest suspension
bridge.
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH NATURE AND ANIMALS
An extensive hotel project is currently underway at Eriksberg, to be “Our guests are looking for hiking experiences,” says Per-Arne
ready for its grand opening in early 2024. The hotel, designed by Olsson. “With small efforts, we will be able to present a number of
architect Oskar Årevall, will be a freestanding wooden building on new offers that attract Blekinge residents and nature tourists from
three levels, with all 23 rooms overlooking the Eriksberg savannah. Sweden and neighboring countries alike – thanks to the bridges.”
The hotel – known as Arken (The Ark) – is designed to evoke a boat
that has docked in the rural environment. No compromises have Next year, Eriksberg will continue working with the Swedish
been made in terms of sustainability or comfort. In 2022 Eriksberg tourism organization Visit Sweden on various activities. The aim
commissioned the design duo Bernadotte & Kylberg to design three is to highlight regions and destinations that are not so well known
suites. internationally and attract visitors from outside Sweden to the safari
park. Eriksberg also works closely with tourism organization Visit
“Bernadotte & Kylberg will help us blur the lines between the Blekinge to take Blekinge out into the world by means of its regional
indoors and the outdoors, making nature accessible 365 days a year tourism industry.
in a comfortable and natural way, without disturbing the animals and
nature,” says Per-Arne Olsson. “This is fully in line with the philosophy HAVING THE COURAGE TO BE BOLD
we’ve been working to for over 80 years.” Eriksberg will work more on developing and diversifying its offering
in 2023, the aim being to fill its order books with Swedish and
HEALING POWER OF NATURE international customers. The idea is to ensure the new hotel building
With nature as a healing force, Eriksberg aims to develop and offer a is already booked up for the opening. A calendar of events will also
range of experiences. With the help of research they will demonstrate help with forward planning for the coming year.
the power of nature and the forests to increase well-being – and
particularly to reduce stress and sickness absence. There are plans “We need to have the courage to be bold,” says Per-Arne Olsson.
at Eriksberg for yoga and Japanese-inspired forest bathing with a “With the backing of Mellby Gård, we’ve succeeded in
guide, including on prescription from the health service. putting Blekinge on the map – now we want
to bring the rest of the world here.”
The new swimming pool linked to the new hotel development was
opened in April. In the hot, steamy water, visitors can enjoy the cold Per-Arne Olsson, CEO
and the dark and find peace by listening to the sounds of the night –
the boar rooting around in the mud and the deer bellowing.
73
