Europe has always been a favorite destination for summer travelers and this year is no exception. Travelers around the world pack their suitcases, grab their passports, hop on a plane, and descend upon the European continent in droves. According to travel agents, there is one place in particular that seems to be popping up on everyone’s radar: Iceland. The country’s popularity as a tourism destination has been growing steadily over the years; some might even say exponentially. Last year Iceland received almost five times as many visitors as there are people on the island. In fact, during high season, the tiny Nordic nation welcomes about 90,000 visitors a day. With this type of interest in the island, it was only a matter of time before word got out.
While none of this is news to anyone working in the tourism sector, there has most definitely been a marked uptick in interest in Iceland. So what’s causing everyone to be so curious about this small island nation of just under 340,000 people? One factor is most likely Iceland’s appearance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This is the country’s first time playing in the global soccer tournament, and many were cheering for these Scandinavian underdogs. While they didn’t advance past the group stage, they were able to make a decent showing again Argentina and Lionel Messi with a draw. A lot of people have been talking about the team’s Cinderella Story as well as their heart and dedication. Having to the global platform of the World Cup has no doubt helped shine a light on Iceland.
Another factor in the increasing interest in Iceland has no doubt been some of the marketing campaigns launched by Icelandic Air carriers. Who HASN’T heard of the $99 one-way flights to Europe with Icelandic discount airline WOW Air? Their announcement in 2017 set the travel world ablaze. Everyone was rushing to get in on this too good to be true airfare deal.
The company was at it again in 2018 with their brilliant WOW Air Travel Guide contest. Advertised as “the best summer job ever” the company began accepting video submissions from people who wanted to serve as ambassadors for the airline. The two lucky winners get to travel the world with their best friend during summer 2018 with all expenses paid and receive and a hefty stipend in addition to a free apartment in beautiful downtown Reykjavik. Needless to say, the contest generated a lot of buzz for the company and Iceland.
Lastly, Iceland’s popularity has grown due to word of mouth. Both regular visitors and those in the travel industry have been singing the praises of Iceland for years. Travel magazines and blogs have started supplementing staple travel pieces on destinations like Thailand, Paris and the Greek Islands with features on the tiny island. It seems like all of these efforts have not gone unnoticed. As a result, more and more people are asking about Iceland when doing a Google search, looking at travel packages online or visiting their local travel agency.
Iceland, Europe Among Top Summer Travel Destinations According to Travel Agents
We obviously love Iceland and are so happy that people are discovering our beautiful country. Check out some of the other articles on our blog to learn more about the Land of Fire and Ice. Like many others before you, you just might fall in love with Icelandic landscapes, people and culture.
