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| Bente Rafen-Sparby |
Ski-VM 2011 has an excellent working relationship with the hotels in Oslo. According to Accommodation and Guest Manager Bente Rafen-Sparby it is unique to have such a large hotel capacity so close to the arena where the championships take place. "Both athletes and visitors see this as very positive. We are the only capital city that can host a World Ski Championships and are proud of what Norway can offer", says Rafen-Sparby.
Positive hotel sector
The hotel sector is one of many key players helping to organize the large celebration created by the championships. Ski-VM
2011 has found the hotels in the city to be very positive and cooperative during the planning. "Together with the hotels we
have been conscious of offering an acceptable and varied price structure. Our partner hotels have definitely agreed and shown
that they want to contribute to this", continues Rafen-Sparby.
Different types of guests - different needs
Ski-VM 2011 is responsible for organising and providing accommodation for different target groups and has developed a strategy
based on their needs and expectations. This is reflected in where each group will be staying. Athletes and support staff would
naturally like to stay as close as possible to the arena. Athlete hotels have therefore been established at Holmenkollen and
along Ring 3. Members of the press and media will stay at hotels downtown.
"It is important for us to be able to offer easy access from downtown to the arena via shuttle bus. Sponsors, guests and other
groups will also stay downtown so they can attend concerts and medal ceremonies at University Square every night", says Rafen-Sparby.
Specialising the accommodation should allow the hotels to better meet the particular needs of each type of guest. "The different
types of guests have different needs in relation to food and mealtimes. For hotels, it is therefore easier to not mix, for
example, athletes with other guests", says the hotel and hosting manager.
Ski-VM 2011 has entered into a cooperation agreement with Thue & Selvaag Forum AS who will act as booking partner.
"Their experience in hotel and conference booking is important for us. Among other things, they offer on-line booking, making
it easy for our guests to book accommodation via our website", says Rafen-Sparby.
God hotel capacity - room for everyone
She reports considerable interest already in reserving rooms even though tickets do not go on sale until 1 September. "This
suggests that many people are looking forward to the World Ski Championships!", she says.
Ski-VM 2011 would also like to help the general public find hotel accommodation but unfortunately does not have the capacity
to reserve for groups of less than 10 people. See our website. Smaller groups are recommended to use VisitOslo which is ready
to assist with hotel reservations for individuals and has a good overview of accommodation in Oslo. Another option is to contact
the hotel chains directly.
"Oslo has good hotel capacity, so there should be room for everyone. This is probably why demand for private housing is relatively
small. The quality and choice of hotels in the city is very high!", concludes an enthusiastic Bente Rafen-Sparby and wishes
everyone a warm welcome to Oslo during the WSC - 23 February to 6 March 2011.
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