Oslo – is it even a city? Norway’s hilarious new tourism campaign tells travellers not to come

Oslo – is it even a city? Norway’s hilarious new tourism campaign tells travellers not to come
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Visit Oslo’s latest tourism campaign comes in the way of a hilarious satirical take on life in the Norwegian Capital.

    The video, which has gone viral follows a 31-year-old on a day around the city and opens with the line, ‘I wouldn’t come here’.

    He carries on to tell you everything ‘wrong’ with Oslo, but in reality, he perfectly captures the charm of the city.

    Littered with comedic takes on things like the ability to walk from one side of the city to the other in half an hour or not needing to wait in line for hours to get into a gallery, the ad is a classic example of dry Nordic humour.

    “The inspiration for the ad is Oslo’s position as an underdog as far as city break destinations go, both in Europe and in the Nordics,” Visit Oslo marketing director Anne-Signe Fagereng told Skift.

    “The fact that it’s not as famous and crowded as some other capital cities is something we should start highlighting as a benefit.

    “Oslo has been through an incredibly positive transformation over the last few decades, so it’s time our confidence in our capital catches up with reality.”

    In 2021 the Munch opened in Oslo, a museum dedicated to artist Edvard Munch who painted The Scream. 2022 saw the opening of Norway’s National Museum and in 2027 The Museum of the Viking Age will open.

    The Munch Museum in the city of Oslo, the capital of Norway. (iStock – mikeuk)

    Marketing win for Visit Oslo 

    Oslo’s new campaign has caught the eyes of the marketing world with many taking to Linkedin to praise the video which runs for just under two minutes.

    “The thing is, there are many professional who can pursue such creative ideas but very few companies allow such creativity out of being in the ‘safe zone'” one commented.

    “What a magnetizing mix of reverse psychology marketing and thinking, the forever touching movie “Elling” (2001) and my experience of swimming in Tromsø once in March. Thunderous applause VisitOSLO… I love this “grumbling Oslovian narrator / narrative,” said another.

    Funny campaigns proving a success

    When it comes to advertising a country or capital city destination marketers have countless resources at their fingertips.

    But our favourite is fast becoming a satirical take.

    Other advertising campaigns of similar fashion recent years include Visit Sweden’s campaign last year which reminded travellers that is has no affiliation with Switzerland.

    Lithuania also poked fun at outdated stereotypes many have about life in the Vilnius with its own comedic video ‘Expectations VS. Reality’.

    Feature image: Visit Oslo YouTube – ‘Is it even a city?’ 

    Latest News

    • Hotels

    Chief executive officer Dave Baswal to depart Ovolo Hotels  

    Ovolo hotels have announced the  departure of chief executive officer Dave Baswal from his role, effective from the end of September. Baswal first joined the company in 2016, initially as director of finance & operations Australia, progressing through roles including COO and CFO, managing director, and ultimately assuming the CEO position in 2022.   During his […]

    • Hotels
    • Technology

    Amadeus introduces AI technology to modernise hotel business

    Travel technology provider Amadeus has partnered with Microsoft to bring the power or AI to simplify hoteliers’ ability to search and understand business intelligence. Amadeus plans to incorporate Gen AI into an innovative new chatbot for its business intelligence suite, debuting with Agency360+.  The chatbot is powered by the Azure OpenAI Service and builds on […]

    • Attractions

    SA’s almost-complete Monarto Safari Park on the market for $50m

    The nearly finished luxury hotel and glamping resort inside Monarto Safari Park in South Australia has been put up for sale Jayco caravan founder Gerry Ryan with an asking price of $50 million-plus. The Australian Financial Review reports Ryan acquired the 65.66ha site, in the Murraylands region 70km from Adelaide, from Zoos South Australia in […]

    • Aviation

    Avis and South African Airways announce partnership after relaunch of flights to Perth

    Car rental company Avis has announced a partnership with South African Airways (SAA) following the relaunch of its Perth to Johannesburg route after a four-year hiatus. “Avis is proud to partner with SAA to provide an integrated travel experience that ensures our customers receive the highest standard of service both in the air, and on […]

    • Hotels

    Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport officially open

    Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport were officially opened today, the largest hotel opening in Australia for 2024 so far. Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus, Accor Pacific COO Adrian Williams and Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements were joined by more than 120 people, including key industry stakeholders, for the official ribbon cutting and launch of […]

    • Cruise

    Crystal signs memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri

    Luxury cruise experience leader, Crystal, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Fincantieri to construct two new, groundbreaking ships. The planned 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross tonne ship will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs that ensure unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests. Ship designs will be led by architectural firms, Studio […]

    • Aviation

    Gold Coast Airport marks major milestone in domestic expansion

    Gold Coast Airport undergoes a $17 million refurbishment of its old international area to expand domestic capabilities following the shift of international services to a new terminal. The airport’s new domestic lounge has just opened, marking a milestone in the terminal’s ongoing transformation. With various refurbishments coming in the following weeks, including new flooring, improved […]

    • Exhibitions

    Tahiti Tourisme gets behind Gauguin’s World exhibit at National Gallery, Canberra

    Tahiti Tourisme is supporting the Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao exhibition which was launched at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra yesterday, 27 June, attended by the Vice President of Tahiti, Eliane Tevahitua, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attending the festivities. The exhibition, open to the public from tomorrow, 29 June to 7 […]

    • Cruise

    All you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal

    Here is everything you need to know about White Bay Cruise Terminal, one of two dedicated cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour. Entering the cruise terminal The terminal is located at James Craig Rd, Rozelle, with easy road access via The Crescent / James Craig Road. Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to enter the terminal […]