Mats Lindsten ♥

It was probably no coincidence that our Mats was given the name Mats, which originates from Greece and means "Gift of God" 

Travel was close to Mats' heart, he worked for Fritidsresor for 15 years and then mainly in Greece and Israel. Even after all the years at Fritidsresor, Mats continued his traveling, there are not many places in the world that he has not visited. Traveling with Mats was something very special, he had an enormous knowledge and a joy of storytelling that made you never want to stop listening. There is no one who can tell the tales of the Arabian Nights like Mats. When he lived into the story, you also got to see his theater vein and that he loved to be in the center.

He knew all the places worth visiting, from the local bar to the neighborhood pub you probably wouldn't have found on your own, to the must-see sights. There was always someone who knew Mats from a previous visit and who welcomed everyone in the group with open arms.

Mats was completely unique, a person who saw everyone and included everyone. Both guests, partners, staff at hotels, restaurants, bus drivers and others. With his positivity and joy and enormous sense of service, everyone felt seen and appreciated. It was not for nothing that he is referred to by many as Sweden's absolute best tour guide and has been a role model and mentor for so many in the travel industry. Mats has touched and impressed countless people around the world.

He worked at Contrast AB for over 25 years and made a very strong impression on the company's culture and values. He was for many years the company's mentor and inspirer and has nurtured many of us colleagues. He taught us the craft and shared his experiences.

He played a big part in Contrast's success. He didn't like sales at all and yet he was one of the best. He sold by just being himself. Everyone liked Mats. You were drawn into his vivid descriptions of travel destinations.

After his retirement, he continued to be involved in the business. He came up with ideas and thoughts about the future. He worked hard to bring in new customers and kept in touch with all former colleagues to encourage and praise them. He was always on hand to answer questions or help with anything. He also continued to travel with many of Contrast's clients with great success.

There is no substitute for Mats, but we are happy and grateful for all the fun years we had with him!   

It has been a pleasure to have had Mats as a friend and colleague.

The world is clearly poorer without you!