10 Feb 2024
Odense sees historic tourism boom: 6% more overnight stays in 2024
2024 was a record year for tourism in Odense. With an impressive 6% increase in overnight stays compared with the previous year, Odense is cementing its position as one of Denmark’s most attractive destinations for both Danish and international visitors.
The city’s hotels, hostels, campsites and private rental providers are reporting strong growth, reflecting the growing interest in Odense’s unique cultural attractions and experiences.
Mayor Peter Rahbæk Juel welcomes the development:
Odense can currently boast a 6% increase in overnight stays across hotels, hostels, campsites and private homes. This is undoubtedly a record driven by a team effort from the city’s many stakeholders – from cultural institutions and restaurants to accommodation providers. The fact that so many more people are experiencing Odense and the city’s many qualities is a gift that contributes positively to its continued development. Our strategic work in recent years to attract visitors is bearing fruit, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in the future.Peter Rahbæk JuelMayor of Odense
Alongside the impressive tourism figures, a new survey from VisitDenmark and Epinion shows that Odense’s residents are among the most positive towards tourism in Denmark. The majority of residents see tourism as a positive driving force for the city and its development.
Strategic focus on experiences and culture
The significant growth in tourism in Odense follows many years of dedicated effort and prioritisation, during which the city has invested strategically in urban renewal, cultural attractions and infrastructure.
Among the most notable initiatives are the introduction of the light rail, an attractive harbour environment, the opening of the new H.C. Andersen House, and the award-winning urban renewal project From street to city, which has transformed Thomas B. Thriges Gade from a busy road into a vibrant urban space with housing, businesses and green areas. This work has not only changed the face of the city, but has also gained recognition through awards such as the Danish Urban Planning Award and the international Livable City Award.
The future looks bright
With the impressive results from 2024, Odense’s tourism development looks set to continue. Strategic investments in outdoor experiences, events, gastronomy and cultural experiences – including Odense International Film Festival, Tinderbox Festival and an enhanced Viking offering – will together help attract even more visitors in the coming years.
Odense’s reputation as a must-see destination has also firmly established itself internationally, with media such as The New York Times and Vogue highlighting the city as one of the places to visit. In 2023, Odense was ranked number 28 on The New York Times’ list of the 50 places in the world most worth visiting.
For further information, please contact:
Stine Albrechtsen – stine@have.dk – +45 30 24 14 00