Like the Godfather’s wedding favours, but with islands not gangsters

Dansk Ø-ferie chooses the occasion of Folkemødet to lobby the host about sharing the love with its fellow isles

Blame it on the sunshine, blame it on DR’s recent obsession with unlawful killings, blame it on the World Cup, but media interest in Folkemødet, Danish politics’ answer to the Roskilde Festival, has been less intense than in previous years.

Nevertheless, while the politicians, lobbyists and other professionals in attendance might not have got the exposure at the four-day festival (June 14-17) that they would have liked, one clear winner is emerging: the island of Bornholm and its host city Allinge.

Record numbers descended on the Baltic isle this past week, bringing with them an unprecedented demand for accommodation, food and drink, and all manner of other services.

On Saturday, the festival attracted over 40,000 people – a record number that even exceeds the population of Bornholm, which just over 39,500 people call home.

Really, it wasn’t surprising. Bornholm has been enjoying a tourism renaissance of late, fuelled by a record number of people catching the ferry over in 2017.

This has partly occurred thanks to a 53 percent reduction in the price of a ticket phased in during the summer over the last two years.

Islands want a piece of the action
And now it would appear the other islands want in on the action, despite most of them being further away from Bornholm than Poland, Germany and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

An organisation called Dansk Ø-ferie, which has the backing of chamber of commerce Dansk Erhverv and the likes of VisitDenmark and Dansk Kyst & Naturturisme, held a meeting at Folkemødet to develop an ‘all for one and one for all’ spirit among the islands.

It outlined a co-operation that would give the islands a common identity, branding platform and system for bookings, sales and check-ins.

“Right now the islands are a triangle that do not fit into the square,” said Lars Ramme Nielsen, the head of tourism and experience economics at Dansk Erhverv.

“I believe that by combining all of our beautiful islands under a destination, one can create a common strength that will benefit the individual islands throughout the country.”




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

  • Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    In Denmark, journalism feels free — calm, almost unbothered, and independent. In Azerbaijan, it can cost journalists their freedom, as in the case of Avaz Zeynalli, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Xural, who is currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.