Aside from fishing, Iceland‘s biggest domestic money-maker is the tourist industry. And lately, business has been good. With over one million tourists expected to grace Iceland‘s isolated, but exotic, landscapes in 2014, one thing is clear, Iceland has become a new hotspot for international travelers interested in a unique, one-of-kind experience.
Magma Moments The images from the Holuhraun eruption is currently being shown on news programs all over the globe. Photo/Ármann
Over the past two weeks the “Viking Nation” has experienced a series of earthquakes and eruptions in the Bárðarbunga volcano system located in Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice cube in Europe. This combination of seismic activity and volcanic outbursts has made headline news around the globe, acting as a free advertisement for Iceland’s tourism industry.
News outlets have shown powerful images and videos of Holuhraun lava field spewing brightly colored magma 230 ft. into the sky, catching the attention of viewers all over the world. It is simply a numbers game to conclude that some of those viewers will discover Iceland's majestic scenery as a result of this exposure.
Iceland is a country of amazing landscapes, scenic views, and unique experiences. Tourists that come visit this small Nordic country are almost always satisfied with their experience. In fact, a recent study concluded that a staggering 98.7 percent of tourists said they would recommend a visit to the Iceland to their peers. Therefore, the challenge for Iceland’s tourism board is convincing potential travelers to skip the annual trip to the Caribbean, or other warm locations, in order to visit a small Nordic country in the middle of the North Atlantic.
Setting a precedent The coverage of the Eyjafjalljökull eruption in 2010 first put Iceland on the map for a lot travelers. Photo/Vilhelm
The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano first struck a chord with the international community and helped highlight the exotic geological gifts Iceland has to offer. The tourist industry boomed like the giant cloud of ash that covered the European sky, grounding all planes in the surrounding countries. Tourists began to take notice of Iceland, and incoming travelers started to increase exponentially.
Now Iceland has hit the volcanic jackpot once again, as the ongoing saga of Bárðarbunga volcano system continues to contribute to Iceland‘s adventurous allure. Where else can you find a civilized country home to active volcanoes, towering glaciers, bizarre lava structures, and prestine mountains. Iceland provides the whole package.
Another important aspect of Bárðarbunga volcano system, as well as most volcanoes in Iceland, is the fact that they are located in relatively barren wasteland, far away from any human civilization. Therefore, the eruptions do not negatively affect any Icelander's day-to-day life, and tourists contemplating a trip to Iceland will never be exposed to any danger. The 2010 eruption did have a significant affect on the air travel industry in Europe, but never put anyone in danger, and the canceled flights were largely precautionary.
The current situation at Bárðarbunga is unfolding similarly to the Krafla volcanic episodes from 1975 to 1984, which also involved a series of eruptions through a fissure in the earth much like the eruptions found at Holuhraun lava field. It is hard to tell when all the activity will come to a definite end, however, one thing is clear, Iceland's economy is sure to benefit from the ongoing volcanic activity that is rumbling around in Vatnajökull glacier.
The saying goes, no press is bad press and the Bárðarbunga news coverage that continues to consume the international audience will provide a great platform to attract thrill seekers and exotic travelers to the amazing scenery of Iceland's terrain.
Aside from fishing, Iceland‘s biggest domestic money-maker is the tourist industry. And lately, business has been good. With over one million tourists expected to grace Iceland‘s isolated, but exotic, landscapes in 2014, one thing is clear, Iceland has become a new hotspot for international travelers interested in a unique, one-of-kind experience.
Magma Moments The images from the Holuhraun eruption is currently being shown on news programs all over the globe. Photo/Ármann
Over the past two weeks the “Viking Nation” has experienced a series of earthquakes and eruptions in the Bárðarbunga volcano system located in Vatnajökull glacier, the largest ice cube in Europe. This combination of seismic activity and volcanic outbursts has made headline news around the globe, acting as a free advertisement for Iceland’s tourism industry.
News outlets have shown powerful images and videos of Holuhraun lava field spewing brightly colored magma 230 ft. into the sky, catching the attention of viewers all over the world. It is simply a numbers game to conclude that some of those viewers will discover Iceland's majestic scenery as a result of this exposure.
Iceland is a country of amazing landscapes, scenic views, and unique experiences. Tourists that come visit this small Nordic country are almost always satisfied with their experience. In fact, a recent study concluded that a staggering 98.7 percent of tourists said they would recommend a visit to the Iceland to their peers. Therefore, the challenge for Iceland’s tourism board is convincing potential travelers to skip the annual trip to the Caribbean, or other warm locations, in order to visit a small Nordic country in the middle of the North Atlantic.
Setting a precedent The coverage of the Eyjafjalljökull eruption in 2010 first put Iceland on the map for a lot travelers. Photo/Vilhelm
The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano first struck a chord with the international community and helped highlight the exotic geological gifts Iceland has to offer. The tourist industry boomed like the giant cloud of ash that covered the European sky, grounding all planes in the surrounding countries. Tourists began to take notice of Iceland, and incoming travelers started to increase exponentially.
Now Iceland has hit the volcanic jackpot once again, as the ongoing saga of Bárðarbunga volcano system continues to contribute to Iceland‘s adventurous allure. Where else can you find a civilized country home to active volcanoes, towering glaciers, bizarre lava structures, and prestine mountains. Iceland provides the whole package.
Another important aspect of Bárðarbunga volcano system, as well as most volcanoes in Iceland, is the fact that they are located in relatively barren wasteland, far away from any human civilization. Therefore, the eruptions do not negatively affect any Icelander's day-to-day life, and tourists contemplating a trip to Iceland will never be exposed to any danger. The 2010 eruption did have a significant affect on the air travel industry in Europe, but never put anyone in danger, and the canceled flights were largely precautionary.
The current situation at Bárðarbunga is unfolding similarly to the Krafla volcanic episodes from 1975 to 1984, which also involved a series of eruptions through a fissure in the earth much like the eruptions found at Holuhraun lava field. It is hard to tell when all the activity will come to a definite end, however, one thing is clear, Iceland's economy is sure to benefit from the ongoing volcanic activity that is rumbling around in Vatnajökull glacier.
The saying goes, no press is bad press and the Bárðarbunga news coverage that continues to consume the international audience will provide a great platform to attract thrill seekers and exotic travelers to the amazing scenery of Iceland's terrain.
