Iceland’s Tourism Industry Urges Government to Work with the Sector

Iceland’s tourism industry is asking the government for a more constructive partnership, arguing that a thriving sector can deliver a larger share of its value to society. The tourism associations said they looked forward to discussing ways to create greater value, higher revenues, and long-term stability.

The associations described tourism as a dynamic industry that has achieved notable results in recent years. It is one of Iceland’s largest industries, generates one-third of the country’s export revenue, and creates tens of thousands of jobs.

“

We look forward to having a successful dialogue and cooperation with the government on how to create greater value, increased revenues, and long-term stability.

The sector has also brought activity and variety to communities across Iceland, particularly in rural areas. According to the associations, tourism has created new opportunities and helped build a more diverse range of services outside the capital region.

“

We in the tourism industry are proud of this achievement and want to continue.

But the industry warned that increased charges and a lack of predictability are reducing the benefits tourism brings to society. They said those conditions weaken the sector’s strength, resilience, and competitiveness, discourage investment in quality and future development, and harm local communities across the country.

The associations argued that practical and effective ways exist to raise the same or greater revenues for the state, municipalities, and society as a whole. They called for focused cooperation with the government, saying that prosperous communities, broad development across the country, and strong public revenues from tourism serve everyone’s interests.

“

Increased charges and a lack of predictability, however, reduce society’s benefit from the industry, weaken tourism’s strength, resilience, and competitiveness, harm investment in quality and future development, and negatively affect local communities throughout the country.