Tourism in Iceland with Hey Iceland
Submitted by INLUS Business Member Hey Iceland |
We all know how the global pandemic has impacted international travel. We have had to change or postpone travel plans, focus on exploring our own countries and reevaluate travel in general. In the Summer of 2021 we were pleasantly surprised by the number of travelers who visited Iceland despite requirements and restrictions. It seems that tourists in Iceland are rethinking how, why and when they travel and what they want to get out of it. They now view general pandemic-related hurdles as part of the travel experience.
Now, life is slowly returning to normal in Iceland and the plan is to lift all covid restrictions by middle of March. This means that we finally get to do what we enjoy most: travel, explore cultures and meet interesting people across the globe.
Sustainable travel is the new trend in Iceland
Iceland is an unusual country when it comes to sustainability and environmental credentials. Ecotourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism trends and Hey Iceland is the perfect partner in Iceland as we are dedicated to environmentally friendly tourism outside the country’s capital. We have a strict sustainability policy and are continuously working towards greater sustainability.
Here at Hey Iceland, we are focused on working to make tourism in Iceland more sustainable and are actively searching for ways to help our travelers be responsible tourists. Whether this is by creating new tour and activity package options, such as our new electric car road trip, or by continuing our core focus of working with small businesses and farmers, we want to do our part in making the tourism industry in Iceland as sustainable as possible.
We also encourage travelers to do their part and acknowledge their responsibility in this regard.
How to be a responsible tourist in Iceland
It doesn’t take much to be a responsible tourist, just by following the rules and respecting nature you are well on your way to doing your part. For those of you who want to take it a step further and create a trip that is all about being a responsible tourist here are a few different actions you can take when you visit this nature-rich country.
This is how you can be a responsible tourist in Iceland:
- Lead by example
- Book a farm stay accommodation
- Bring a reusable water bottle
- Rent an electric vehicle
- Bring a bag to clean up litter
- Use eco-friendly tour operators
- Eat local food
- Leave surroundings how you found them
Iceland is a top-ranking green country
Let’s consider some green credentials because Iceland is also a perfect match for travelers who wish to travel responsibly. Reykjavik tops as the greenest city for travelers with the most green space per resident but that is not really the main point. The main point is the fact that almost 100% of Iceland’s energy comes from renewable sources such as hydro or geothermal sources.
Sustainability is part of the culture
Iceland has sustainable farming and sustainable fisheries policies and grows a major part of its vegetable needs in geothermally heated greenhouses. Hey Iceland accommodation also offers electric charging facilities for those who want to try driving electrically around Iceland. It is perhaps only for the most committed but for most visitors, it is sufficient to book trips with electric whale watching boats or learn about greenhouse-grown tomatoes at Friðheimar.
Authentic travel and getting to know the roots
An Iceland farm holiday is an excellent way to learn about sustainability in Iceland with rural experiences in a country full of renewable energy that powers almost all facilities and even many of the activities you can undertake as a tourist.
Think about it. If you have eco-friendly persuasions, you can really maximize the adventure and minimize your impact on nature when you visit Iceland. We would love to help you out and tell you more
Special discount for INLUS members
Hey Iceland offers a special travel discount for INLUS members for 2022 travel: If booked before April 30th you will receive a 20% discount of the My Own Self-drive tour package for summer & winter. To take advantage of the My Own Self-drive packages:
Summer travel – https://www.heyiceland.is/tours/detail/1062/my-own-self-drive
Winter travel – https://www.heyiceland.is/tours/detail/1201/my-own-self-drive-winter
When booking your trip, use the code HEYINLUS22. Of course, you can always contact us at info@heyiceland.is.
The INLUS will host a webinar with business member Hey Iceland on March 24th at 5:00 PM Eastern. We will be happy to answer your questions!