The Swedish government has announced theme parks will not be able to reopen this summer amid current legislation that bans gatherings of more than 50 people.
Theme parks in Sweden had hoped there would have been exceptions made to the rules for their industry, but this has not been the case.
Sweden’s interior minister, Mikael Damberg, said the government is “responsible for ensuring that the spread of infection does not take off in Sweden.” Damberg emphasised the aid the government was providing for businesses hit by the crisis and the 50-person limit.
According Christer Fogelmarck, CEO of the Parks and Resorts Group, the decision will have a detrimental impact on the industry. “As societies open up more and more, we have for a long time been preparing to open with restrictions in line with the recommendations, just as has been done in neighbouring countries. I really believed that we should be open,” said Fogelmarck.
“My thoughts go to the thousands of young people who will now not get their summer jobs. The Parks and Resorts Group now expects to lose one billion kronor in sales this year,” he added.
