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Gröna Lund amusement park, like many cultural and entertainment activities, it has had a difficult year. On March 28, the government introduced a restriction on public gatherings and public events with more than 50 participants. After a period of uncertainty, it was decided on June 22 that no exception should be made for amusement parks, which was a serious blow to the industry.
Now, several months later, it has not yet been decided what applies for next year.
Magnus Widell, CEO of Gröna Lund, believes that the management of Gröna Lund has been struggling for seven months to be informed about the future, but has not received any response.
– Gröna Lund is a business run with a lot of heart, a business with passion, but the question is how much passion is left when politics lets you down, he says.
When Gröna Lund this spring told they were not allowed to open the park, they were forced to lay off the around 1,000 people who have already been hired for the 2020 season. Of their permanent workers, a total of 40 percent have been laid off during the year .
Magnus Widell believes that for them to have a chance to open the park next season, information is needed now.
– We must start our recruitment and planning in December if we want to be able to open in April. Typically we employ 1,500 people per season, it takes time to find people and train them, says Magnus Widell.
Gröna Lund has not been open since Fall 2019.
Photo: Mickan Palmqvist
Of the 27 member states of the EU Only Sweden was not allowed to open amusement park-based amusement parks during the year, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks, IAAPA. Parks like Kolmården and Furuvik were allowed to stay open, which the government agreed to because they don’t have so-called amusement parks.
Magnus Widell believes that the government’s decision lacks logic and that amusement parks with amusement parks can be managed very well with respect to the current restrictions.
– An amusement park is a limited area, where we can decide for ourselves how many guests can enter. Across the amusement park, at our restaurants, at our rides and attractions, we already have clear plans and measures for how we would follow the Public Health Agency guidelines, so it’s not about the risk of infection, says Magnus Widell .
You mean that about the park Forced to close in 2021, Gröna Lund runs the risk of bankruptcy.
– If we are not allowed to open in 2021, I find it extremely difficult to see that we would survive a bankruptcy. We have had no income since fall 2019, and there are no businesses that can get by without income for several years, says Magnus Widell.
– It is a disaster if a 138-year-old company has to close due to government indecision, he continues.
Read more: There is no exception for Swedish amusement parks
Read more: Gröna Lund cancels all concerts in 2020
