There are nearly 600 structures which serve hikers or travelers at nearly 200 different locations in the Central Highlands, according to a new report (pdf). The vast majority are small cabins and huts, smaller than 50 m2 (540 sq ft). These number have not changed despite the dramatic increase in tourism in recent years the report finds.
Read more: Fewer travelers in the Central Highlands: 15-20% drop in the number of hikers
The report, prepared by the National Planning Agency, is the first comprehensive registry of structures and infrastructure in the Central Highlands since 1997.
According to the report the total size of all tourism related structures in the Central Highlands is 27,000 m2 (290,625 sq ft), with accommodation for a 4,657 people. The 586 structures are in 197 different locations. The vast majority, or 62%, are small cabins, smaller than 50 m2 (540 sq ft). 26% are 51-100 m2 (550-1080 sq ft). Only about 70 buildings are larger than 100 m2 (1080 sq ft). The report notes that the number of structures and the number of accommodations in these has remained unchanged since 1997. The vast majority of the structures are in good condition the report found.
Improvements to infrastructure and accommodation in the Central Highlands have frequently been very controversial, as many fear that better roads and greater comforts could draw in more visitors, which in turn can threaten the pristine and untouched beauty of the highlands.
Read more: Planned improvements at Hrafntinnusker highland cabin rejected: Could increase number of visitors
Most of the accommodation in the Central Highlands is at mountain and hiking cabins operated by touring associations and private individuals. The Planning Agency was unable to determine how many of these were open to the public. A handful of hotels or guest houses are located in the Central Highlands. Travelers can purchase food or refreshments at only sixteen locations.
There are nearly 600 structures which serve hikers or travelers at nearly 200 different locations in the Central Highlands, according to a new report (pdf). The vast majority are small cabins and huts, smaller than 50 m2 (540 sq ft). These number have not changed despite the dramatic increase in tourism in recent years the report finds.
Read more: Fewer travelers in the Central Highlands: 15-20% drop in the number of hikers
The report, prepared by the National Planning Agency, is the first comprehensive registry of structures and infrastructure in the Central Highlands since 1997.
According to the report the total size of all tourism related structures in the Central Highlands is 27,000 m2 (290,625 sq ft), with accommodation for a 4,657 people. The 586 structures are in 197 different locations. The vast majority, or 62%, are small cabins, smaller than 50 m2 (540 sq ft). 26% are 51-100 m2 (550-1080 sq ft). Only about 70 buildings are larger than 100 m2 (1080 sq ft). The report notes that the number of structures and the number of accommodations in these has remained unchanged since 1997. The vast majority of the structures are in good condition the report found.
Improvements to infrastructure and accommodation in the Central Highlands have frequently been very controversial, as many fear that better roads and greater comforts could draw in more visitors, which in turn can threaten the pristine and untouched beauty of the highlands.
Read more: Planned improvements at Hrafntinnusker highland cabin rejected: Could increase number of visitors
Most of the accommodation in the Central Highlands is at mountain and hiking cabins operated by touring associations and private individuals. The Planning Agency was unable to determine how many of these were open to the public. A handful of hotels or guest houses are located in the Central Highlands. Travelers can purchase food or refreshments at only sixteen locations.
