Speech given by HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Norway as a Tourist Destination, New Dehli, India 02.11.2006
2. nov. 2006
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to be back in India, and to have this opportunity to speak to you today. India is such a beautiful country. Ever since I travelled here as a young tourist 11 years ago I have wanted to come back.
One of the characteristics of a global world is that distances matter less and less. Norway and India are far apart on the map. But today that is no longer an obstacle. Modern communications have made it much easier for people to travel and for cultures to meet.
More and more Norwegians are being captivated by India. It is such a diverse country, with a fascinating culture and rich history. Today the Indian tourist industry is experiencing an enormous growth, employing close to 25 million people. That is more than five times the total population of Norway!
Yet, even though it is a small country, situated at the periphery of Europe, Norway has much to offer adventurous Indians. Today I hope to shed some light on what Norway can offer as a tourist destination. It is a place to find adventure, new experiences and it leaves deep impressions on those who visit it. One aspect that fascinates a lot of people coming from more populated areas than ours - is the peace. In Norway you can actually experience total silence. No wonder – since for every square kilometre in Norway there is only 13 people
Just as India is so much more than the Taj Mahal and the beaches of Goa, Norway is much more than fjords, the midnight sun and the tales of the Vikings.
Travel to Norway and you will find beautiful unspoilt nature, breathtaking scenery, a wide range of attractions, sites of historic and cultural interest and charming local communities scattered throughout our long, narrow country.
The main tourist season is the summer, which is surprisingly warm and sunny. The long, light days keep Norwegians out and about, enjoying each other’s company, until late at night. In winter, Norway is draped in fresh, white snow, making the spectacular scenery even more breathtaking. Each season has its charm!
Norway stretches 2200 kilometres from north to south. We have a long coastline with thousands of inhabited islands scattered along the coast, and some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
In the north of Norway you can experience the land of the indigenous Sami people, the midnight sun, and you can try out various sporting challenges in this rugged, Arctic region.
Mid-Norway provides a rich variety of cultural and historic sites and a wide range of landscapes. It is here you find the fjords, the long arms of the North Sea that stretch far into our country.
The southern part of Norway is home to various mountain resorts. It also includes the beautiful southern coast – with its maze of islands, narrow inlets and picturesque small towns. Inland there are many small rivers and lakes that are ideal to explore by canoe. Many of the beautiful, old, white-painted houses on the southern coast have direct access to the waterline. In Kristiansand, my hometown, you can reach the centre for a coffee, in your own boat!
Norwegians from all over the country head south for their summer holidays. Many have their own boats, which they use to reach the many skerries and islands.
To sum up, visiting Norway is a chance to experience stunning nature, traditional culture, quiet and calm. Norway is an exotic destination for Indians, just as India is an exotic destination for Norwegians. Both our countries have much to offer when it comes to culture, nature, wild life, adventures and exotic locations.
Welcome to Norway!
Thank you.