The number of tourists visiting Iceland grew by 56% during the first third of this year compared with the year before. According to a report by the European Travel Commission, Iceland is the fastest growing destination since 2012.
The report states that the average increase in tourism in Iceland has been 25% each of the last five years. Last year the increase amounted to 40%. However, it warns that the growth is expected to slow this summer due to accomodation being exhausted in the country.
The numbers don't tell the whole story
The National Broadcasting Service RÚV, cites Ólöf Ýrr Atladóttir, director of the Icelandic Tourist Board, who says that even though growth has slowed the figures don't tell the whole story about the tourism industry in Iceland.
Even if growth slows from the nearly 60% cited in the report down to 10 to 20% that does not represent a major problem, in her opinion. The real determining factor for companies in the tourism industry is the spending pattern of tourists.
Indication are that tourists are spending their money differently while in Iceland. They appear to buy less souvenirs than before and generally spending less. Many in the industry have blamed the strong value of the Icelandic króna (ISK).
The number of tourists visiting Iceland grew by 56% during the first third of this year compared with the year before. According to a report by the European Travel Commission, Iceland is the fastest growing destination since 2012.
The report states that the average increase in tourism in Iceland has been 25% each of the last five years. Last year the increase amounted to 40%. However, it warns that the growth is expected to slow this summer due to accomodation being exhausted in the country.
The numbers don't tell the whole story
The National Broadcasting Service RÚV, cites Ólöf Ýrr Atladóttir, director of the Icelandic Tourist Board, who says that even though growth has slowed the figures don't tell the whole story about the tourism industry in Iceland.
Even if growth slows from the nearly 60% cited in the report down to 10 to 20% that does not represent a major problem, in her opinion. The real determining factor for companies in the tourism industry is the spending pattern of tourists.
Indication are that tourists are spending their money differently while in Iceland. They appear to buy less souvenirs than before and generally spending less. Many in the industry have blamed the strong value of the Icelandic króna (ISK).
