Iceland

Triple treat tourism

Triple treat tourism The glittering lights along the frontage of Reykjavik Lake. Photo: Promote Iceland

Rapid growth in tourism over the past few years was not only a key factor in economic recovery but also a pointer for the future

It’s a sign of the times that some property in the capital, Reykjavik, that once illustrated the proliferation of banks and finance houses has been converted into chic cafes and retail stores to cater for the mass influx of tourists. At 969,181, the number of foreigners arriving at Reykjavik Airport in 2014 was more than three times the figure for 2003, and the total for 2015 is confidently expected to burst well through the one-million mark. Icelandair’s seven-day stopover without affecting ticket prices helps as does the successful introduction of low cost carrier Wow Air, whose flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco begin in 2016.

The explosion has been particularly pronounced since 2010, with the annual percentage increase ranging from 17.8 percent to 24.1 percent in 2014. Interestingly, the proportion of foreign arrivals from Britain and the US – around a third – has stayed the same for more than a decade.

According to a report by Arion Bank, Iceland will need to import 5,000 workers to staff its improving economic activities, especially tourism. However, the bank’s CEO, Höskuldur H. Ólafsson, warns of the downside of too much expansion. “People come to Iceland because it is not too populated and if we are not careful we will damage our reputation,” he said.

  • Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s main landmark and has an organ weighing 25 tonnes. Photos: Promote Iceland
    Hallgrímskirkja church is Reykjavík’s main landmark and has an organ weighing 25 tonnes. Photos: Promote Iceland
  • Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Harpa was designated “one of the best concert halls of the new millennium” and best MICE centre in Northern Europe.
    Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Harpa was designated “one of the best concert halls of the new millennium” and best MICE centre in Northern Europe.

Eye on Hotel Rangá

South Iceland’s only four-star resort, Hotel Rangá offers a serene, luxurious retreat with uninterrupted views across the rugged rural landscape.

  • Antarctica Hotel Rangá. Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Antarctica Hotel Rangá. Photo: Hotel Rangá
  • Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Photo: Hotel Rangá
  • Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Photo: Hotel Rangá
  • Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Photo: Hotel Rangá
  • Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Photo: Hotel Rangá
  • Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Photo: Hotel Rangá
  • Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Photo: Hotel Rangá
  • Photo: Hotel Rangá
    Photo: Hotel Rangá

Following the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, Iceland has embraced the ongoing publicity to successfully raise awareness of the unique experiences it has to offer. Hotel Rangá’s location makes it one of the best places to view the Northern Lights, and a recently-opened observatory allows guests to take in the night sky, unspoilt by light pollution.

“In a short time, Iceland has become a bucket list destination,” says Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner and manager, who adds that visitor numbers have continued to rise, as have the length of stays. “To support the tourism sector, many airlines have added routes and stopover opportunities, making Iceland truly accessible to all. As a result, the sector is becoming stronger and subsequently having a positive impact on many other industries.”

www.hotelranga.is

Triple treat tourism

Interview with Fridrik Pálsson, owner of Hotel Rangá

South Iceland’s only four-star resort, Hotel Rangá offers a serene, luxurious retreat with superb, uninterrupted views.

South Iceland is a tourist diamond.
The beauty of the landscape is breath-taking

Fridrik Pálsson Owner and manager of Hotel Rangá

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This article was published 30 November 2015
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