Explore Norway gold prize winners: "Sognefjord Swim Festival" & "Ekstremsportveko" – Voss

Fjord Norway Explore prizes for 2006 were awarded at the Norwegian Tourism Conference in Bergen to "Sognefjord Swim Festival" and "Ekstremsportveko på Voss" for product development and marketing.

– We are extremely focused on building a strong brand for tourism in Western Norway. By awarding these Explore prizes, we aim to encourage businesses and organisations to adopt the region.s brand development strategy in their marketing and product development, said Terje Devold from Fjord Norway AS, the international marketing body for tourism in the four counties of Rogaland, Hordaland, Sogn og Fjordane and Møre og Romsdal.

The exclusive prizes were awarded at the conference banquet for the Norwegian Tourism Conference held in Bergen on Thursday.

The jury had the following to say about the winners:

Sognefjord Swim Festival

Sognefjord Swim festival is a creative and exciting explore experience that has put both Sognefjord and the Norwegian fjords on the national and international map. The festival's message is that everyone can experience and explore the fjord through competitive swimming, fancy-dress swimming, plunge bathing, kayaking, boat trips, competitions, games and all kinds of fjord fun. Fjord swimming is a brand new activity, and concept, developed in the Sognefjord. Sognefjord Swim Festival is a cooperative project that involves tourist partners, business activities and outdoor sports enthusiasts – and the festival's program includes much more than just swimming; it involves concerts, barbecues, market stalls, after swim at the local hotels, and more. This has a positive effect upon local businesses on both sides of the fjord.

The festival has strengthened optimism, creativity and a positive attitude among local villagers and businesses. Sognefjord Swim Festival has grabbed the attention of the media and interest groups nationally and internationally. The festival has attracted publicity to the region and contributed to establishing fjord swimming as a new concept within outdoor sporting activities.

Sognefjord Swim Festival was awarded the prize for product development, but it should also be noted that the festival's graphic design has been developed consistently and comprehensively. Texts and illustrations used in promoting the Sognefjord Swim Festival reflect the colours and contours of fjord scenery. Playful illustrations by artist Janne Nes are key elements in the visual profile and highlight the festivals focus on fun and games within the framework of a fjord. The festival's profile is in harmony with the Fjord Norway profile.

Ekstremsportveko Voss

This initiative visualises extremely well how an activity effectively communicates its identity for its target group. They single themselves out from other activities in Western Norway in a unique and exciting way, promoting extreme sports with an exciting and unique design.

The basic idea behind the design package of Ekstremsportveko is to strengthen Ekstremsportveko's identity; playing with the four natural elements: earth, air, fire and water. The graphic profile is based upon extreme playfulness and extreme challenges, with the natural scenery of Western Norway acting as a dramatic backdrop.

There is also the deliberate intention of promoting the village of Voss, and the down-to-earth approach to life that the locals have. Their logo is based on Voss' coat of arms and show two stags fighting. The profile of Extremsportveko also has elements taken from the Voss national dress, creating a contrast to the masculine and rougher elements expressed by the activity's font style, colours and photographs. The overall image stands in contrast to the traditional way in which Voss has been represented – it expresses the innovation, youth and energy that Ekstremsportveko aims to promote.

Press contact:
CEO. Terje Devold
Mobile telephone +47 90585799
E-mail mailto:terje@fjordnorway.no