Iceland Tourism as a Strategy for Regional Economic Development

Added: 04/11/2006

Contrary to what many people may think, Iceland is a vibrant country that has an array of diverse opportunities to offer to its every visitor. Where else will you be offered such nature wonders as magnificent waterfalls, tremendous icecaps, a number of glaciers and geysers, dormant volcanoes and raging rivers among other great surprises? Regardless of the time you are visiting the country, the spectacular landscape, rich cultural heritage and warmth shown by the local people will make your stay as pleasant as possible. The country owes a lot to the efforts of Iceland tourism.

Whenever you are looking for a vacation or holiday in Europe, consider Iceland, one of the most diverse European countries, boasting a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions. Iceland tourism, like that of many other peripheral areas, has been promoted as a strategy for the regional economic development.

As of 2004, arrivals of international tourists to Iceland reached a record of estimated $760 million according to the World Tourism Organization. Iceland tourism is generally considered as a significant source of national income and globally promoted as a strategy for economic growth, with both municipalities and state focusing on its development as an important means to strengthen local economies.

Currently Iceland is ranked with the most visited European countries and is recognized as a unique refreshing destination. Here you'll find an unspoiled nature, mystical and exotic with its scenic lakes, fascinating waterfalls, active volcanoes, spouting geysers, magnificent mountains and lava plains. Highland plains, glaciers and fjords in Iceland provide travelers with the unique opportunity to visit some of the most enchanting and beautiful places they've ever seen and offer a wonderful feeling of peace and tranquility.

Those looking for some more action from their vacation, will be offered an array of outdoor activities, like horse riding, hiking, cave exploring, mountain safaris, river rafting, snowmobiling, skiing, swimming and kayaking just to name a few. The country is a popular destination all-the-year-round, not only due to the diversity of landscape, but mainly its contrast of seasons and lights, offering new discoveries every time you travel in Iceland.

Iceland tourism owes much of its prosperity to the capital city Reykjavik, famous for its legendary nightlife, marked by a number of social and cultural occasions, as well as scores of world-class restaurants, bars and clubs. Being one of the smallest capitals in Europe, the size of the city center is small enough to be easily navigated by foot. The city boasts an array of art galleries and museums, with collections ranging from the Viking relics to modern art presentations.

As well as Iceland in general, Reykjavik is a city of contrasts, featuring charming historical buildings mixed with elaborate modern architecture. The majority of clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants of the city are nestled on or around Laugavehur, the main shopping street, offering a venue to every taste. Within the city limits runs a beautiful salmon river, whose banks are ideal for rest and relaxation; the city is filled with great parks and wild outdoor areas, and its outskirts introduce you to such activities as golf and trekking.

Art connoisseurs will be pleased to find in Reykjavik a number of art museums, a symphony orchestra, an opera house, several theaters and liver music concerts, spanning the whole spectrum of taste and age and contributing significantly to the development of Iceland tourism. A must for all country's visitors is dining in one of its award-winning restaurants, specializing in Icelandic specialties, like delicious seafood among others.

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