Iceland becoming popular Christmas destination

Tourist numbers in Iceland for 2015 are expected to hit 1.3 million, with some 10,000 spending the festive season here.

According to Skapti Örn Ólafs­son, Communication Officer at the Icelandic Travel Industry Association (SAF), Iceland has in recent years gained in popularity as a Christmas destination, with more shops and services remaining open at this time of the year.

“Iceland has changed over the past ten years, with ever more places remaining open over Christmas and New Year,” says Ólafs­son. “If Iceland wants to market itself as a Christmas destination, places must remain open at this time of year.”

It was not long ago in Iceland that many hotels closed down over the festive season. Nowadays, most remain open and many are fully booked, despite greater supply of hotel rooms.

Tourism in Iceland has seen roughly 20% growth in recent years.

“We want to see a better distribution of tourists around the country,” says Ólafs­son. “And not just in the summer, but in the winter too – especially over Christmas and the New Year.”