The island of Bornholm occupies a strategic position in the Baltic Sea between Sweden, Poland, Germany and Denmark. This gives it an excellent travel, trade and commercial liaison role between these countries. The entry of Sweden and Finland into the European Union and the opening up of the former Communist countries has made Bornholm's position even more vital and has led to an enormous need for information about the island. Bornholm is also an attractive island (especially for birdwatchers and lovers of nature), and this makes it a popular destination for tourists.
Bornholm's pre-existing tourist centre catered for only a small number of visitors and was also unable to cope with the growing volume of enquiries.

The centre is created to be capable of meeting the current information needs of people coming to Bornholm and of coordinating efforts to raise Bornholm's profile within the Baltic region.

The Welcome Centre serves as an official Danish tourist office, but it also receives many requests for information from business representatives and journalists about communications and commercial opportunities on the island. Many of these questions can be answered comprehensively due to the Centre's close links with the local Chamber of Commerce. The Centre also offers other less formal facilities, such as a bulletin board on which local companies and tour operators can advertise and it also sells local handmade crafts.
The Bornholm Welcome Centre is administered by the local Chamber of Commerce and is financed by the municipality of Rønne and the Bornholm council. It also obtains financial support from local business associations and industry.

At the beginning of 1992, the tourist centre was closed and its operations were transferred to the new Welcome Centre in Rønne, which opened in June 1992. In addition to a director, the Centre employs two information officers and a part-time commercial liaison officer. During the summer of 1995, seven new assistants were taken on to staff the Centre due to the need for extended opening hours. During June and July 1992, shortly after it was opened, the Welcome Centre dealt with some 350 daily requests for information, as well as 150 telephone enquiries. In 1994 and 1995, it welcomed 152 000 visitors to the island.

The tourist and business sectors on the island.

The total budget of the project was 820 170 euros. The EU contributed 328 068 euros.

Bornholm Information Centre

01/01/1992

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Business support, Specific sectors