Losses due to strikes extend outside the capital area

The impact of the ongoing strike by hotel staff in Efling Union extends beyond the capital area. Cancellations at entertainment companies are causing losses, according to Elías Bj. Gíslason, the acting tourism manager.

“The strike in the capital area is beginning to affect recreation companies, both in the capital area and elsewhere in the country. If groups have not made it to Reykjavík on the dates they intended to be and then have to go somewhere else, those groups have cancelled. There have been a significant amount of cancellations, especially group cancellations,” Gíslason tells mbl.is.

"Dramatic remedies" in the event of a work ban

The Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise (SA) called a work ban to begin on March 2nd, which was postponed until Monday, March 6th.

“If the work ban, which was postponed until the weekend, comes, actually happens, it is more likely than not that draconian measures will be needed, ” says Gíslason, when asked “if a mass relief station needs to be opened in case of a work ban.

“Hotel rooms in the capital area are about 5,400. When it’s 85% occupancy, there are a lot of people needing hotel rooms. They can’t be placed so easily in other accommodations. If the work ban hits, of course, not everyone is thrown on the street, but then there is a high probability that the passengers arriving that day would not be accommodated.”

Effects outside the capital area

More than 4,000 tourists have received assistance through the Tourist Helpline, established by the Icelandic Tourist Board, in response to strikes by hotel workers in the capital area. One thousand calls have been received, while individuals behind the calls are more than 4,000.

“Since the strike, we have been exploring the availability of accommodation and what is available in areas around the capital area in order to understand the situation and to help tourists,” he tells mbl.is.

Stay outside Reykjavík

The airlines are monitoring the developments and have already had to cancel flights due to the strike. Gíslason mentions that Iceland is a connecting station, although about 25% of the arrival passengers are arriving.

There are examples of tourists changing reservations and having had accommodation outside the capital area, such as in Reykjanes, West Iceland and South Iceland, according to Gíslason. Accommodation has also been provided within the capital area if it is available.