theIceland confirms itself as one of the most fascinating and innovative destinations on the international tourist scene and attracts one tourist every year increasing number of visitors. Between August 2023 and July 2024, they are almost there 90,000 Italian tourists (with an increase of 19.7% compared to the previous year) who chose to experience the country in a deeper way, with an average stay of 7.9 nights, which marks an increase of 1.3%. A fact that testifies to the continued interest in a slower and more conscious way of traveling, perfectly in line with the green philosophy that the Iceland continues.
A concrete commitment to the environment
For some time, in fact, the fabulous land of ice and fire has placed the sustainability at the center of their policies in tourism.
The objectives are ambitious: reduce carbon emissions by 55% from 2030 and reach the carbon neutrality by 2040. This commitment is also reflected in the experiences offered to tourists. Traveling in Iceland in a sustainable way means immersing yourself in its most authentic regions, staying longer and moving slowly, exploring the less traveled corners especially out of season.
Discover local food, participate in cultural events, interact with communities: these are all ways get in touch with the Icelandic essence, fully respect the environment and give a hand to the development of responsible tourism. An approach that is not only a trend, but a need to preserve a unique and extraordinary ecosystem and Iceland is shown with concrete actions.
The development of tourism in the name of sustainable growth
2024 marks an important chapter for Northern Iceland, with the beginning of construction of new hotels in the Akureyri region. The increase in direct flights to the local airport has generated a more rooms requestpush the operators to invest in structures that meet this need: it is a clear sign of the growth of tourism in the area, but always with a careful eye on sustainability, a characteristic that, as we have seen, distinguishes the Icelandic approach to tourism. .
The northern region, with its incredible landscapes and naturalistic features, is thus proving to be an increasingly popular destination for those seeking an experience away from the tourist routes more crowded
The Volcanic Way: a new way for green tourism
In the south of Iceland and in the Reykjanes peninsula, however, an attraction is to be born which in turn reflects the commitment of the country: The Volcanic Way. This is a new tourist route designed to encourage longer stays and encourage visitors to discover the island’s history, nature and culture, with a a particular focus on volcanic activity that has formed this territory that has no equal and that is still in progress.
In fact, it’s practically impossible to think of Iceland without volcanoes and geothermal activity coming to mind. The landscapes are dominated by volcanic features: lava fields, basalt columns, hot springs, black sand beaches, caldera, volcanic mountains and subglacial volcanoes.
In the one-week guided tour (700 kilometers round trip or 1200 kilometers round trip), travelers will be able to discover seventeen countries and landscapes marked by the energy of the earth, massive lava flows to the sleeping craters, to the thermal springs. It is not only about admiring the unspoiled nature, but about understand their history and deep connection with the life of Icelanders.
The Via Volcanica connects eight volcanoes (Fagradalsfjall, Hengill, Hekla, Eyjafjalljokull, Eldfell, Katla, Lakagigar and Oraefajokull) dividing each one into a daily stage: in addition to being fascinated by the extraordinary landscapes, you can take the opportunity to bathe in geothermal pools, adventure in the glaciers by snowmobile or Superjeep, discover ice caveswalk on one black sand beach or riding an Icelandic horse in the presence of truly fantastic countryside.