Government invests in Icelandic tourism

The Icelandic government has approved a budget of ISK 850 million (approx. €5.78 million) for urgent development and conservation work at tourist sites owned or supervised by the State.

“Icelandic nature has underpinned a robust tourism industry, which now generates more foreign revenue for the Icelandic economy than any other industry. Growth in the sector has created many opportunities, while high tourist demand at sensitive natural sites presents us with certain challenges,” reads an announcement on the website of the Ministry of Industries and Innovation.

Sites across Iceland to benefit

The pledged investment, which must be ratified by the Icelandic Parliament (‘Alþingi’), will go to fund 104 projects at 51 sites across Iceland, particularly at famous sites such as Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and Dettifoss.

This year’s development and conservation action plan was put together jointly by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, and the Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources, based on the input of institutions in charge of the areas in question.

According to the Ministry, next year will see further improvements to popular State-owned and State-run tourist destinations in Iceland. The goal is to improve organisation and access to ensure that these sites can absorb the number of people visiting them.