The Hottest Cold Destination: Iceland

Following a volcanic eruption in 2010, Iceland became known as the land of fire and ice and tourists have been flocking there to experience the magic ever since. Iceland is closer and easier to book than you may think.

The Nordic island nation’s truly magnificent beauty is a big reason its popularity has grown exponentially in recent years. “It’s one of the few areas in the world where you can experience snow-covered mountains, volcanoes, ice fields and lagoons at the same time,” says Amelia Sugerman, public relations manager at Collette. Since travelers are faced with so many options when they want to see the world, trying to settle on one particular adventure can feel overwhelming.

Once your clients have chosen their far-off, in-demand destination like Iceland, travel advisors should look to booking the adventure with a tour operator, who will handle all the details of the trip from start to finish. “One of the best ways to visit a destination in high demand is to travel with a tour operator, who not only knows the ins and outs of the region, but is well connected with the locals, hotels and vendors in the area,” says Sugerman. Tour operators often offer different types of travel styles based on travelers’ vacation preferences, interests and their mobility. Sugerman says that classic-style tours are for those who want to see the sights, taste the cuisine and experience the world. Explorations-style tours are for the smaller groups looking for the opportunity to delve into engaging, immersive experiences.

Collette offers three carefully crafted tours to Iceland. According to Sugerman, the most popular tour from its Explorations line is called the Icelandic Adventure. “On tour, guests will travel the stunning Golden Circle and visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir thermal field and the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall,” she says. The Icelandic Adventures itinerary also includes a chance to interact with friendly Icelandic horses, go whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay with specialized RIB Zodiac boats and savor Icelandic delicacies during a visit to a local goat farm. Plus, on this tour travelers can ascend the Langjökull glacier in a super truck surrounded by uninterrupted mountain scenery as well as have the chance to take a dip in the iconic Blue Lagoon. Travel advisors can’t be expected to know all these specific details of a destination, which is why booking with a tour operator can be really helpful. As a travel advisor, you may not know how to get to every waterfall in Iceland, but you may want to have a general understanding of the island’s geography. Here are Iceland’s seven major regional destinations and popular hotels and flight origins to consider for your clients.

West Iceland is home to three major towns: Akranes, Borgarnes and Stykkisholmur. Visit major attractions here like Hraunfossar, Glymur, Kirkjufell, Snaefellsjokull and Eiriksstaoir.

Westfjords is home to four major towns: Isafjordur, Bolungarvik, Patreksfjordur and Holmavik. Visit major attractions here like Latrabjarg, Raudasandur, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Isafjordur Maritime Museum and Dynjandi.

North Iceland is home to four major towns: Akureyri, Husavik, Saudarkrokur and Dalvik. Discover major attractions like Akureyri Art Museum, Askja caldera, Asbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss Waterfall, Godafoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn, Hvitserkur, Dimmuborgir and Hrisey island.

East Iceland is home to three major towns: Egilsstadir, Seyoisfjorour and Fjaroabyggo. Explore major attractions like Burstafell, Vatnajokull, Hengifoss, Skriduklaustur, Lagarfljot, Storuro, Eioar Hallormsstaoaskogur, Djupivogur and Borgarfjordur Eystri.

South Iceland is home to five major towns: Selfoss, Hveragerdi, Vestmannaeyjar, Vik and Hofn. Visit major attractions like Pingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Hekla, Landmannalaugar, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Reynisfjara.

Reykjanes is home to five major towns: Grindavik, Garour, Sandgeroi, Reykjanesbaer and Vogar. Visit major attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Gunnuhver, Krysuvik, Valahnukur, Keilir, Katlahraun and the Bridge Between Continents.

Capital Region is home to five major towns: Reykjavik, Kopavogur, Gardabaer, Hafnarfjordur and Seltjarnarnes. Visit major attractions like Reykjavik City Hall, Harpa concert hall, Reykjavik Pond, The Old Harbour and Videy Island.

Unlike destination hot spots that tightened their budgets in 2020, Iceland increased its spending on tourism by 40%. This led to now being considered the time for a new era of outdoor adventure — one that locals are hoping is far more sustainable than it was pre-pandemic. A substantial amount of the $1.73 billion ISK ($13.6 million USD) budget focused on improving infrastructure at popular tourist sites that became famous due to social media. Additionally, the Icelandic government improved necessities like restrooms, parking lots, designated trails and wheelchair-accessible entrances.

With these improvements from the Iceland tourism industry comes new beginnings for vaccinated travelers. Iceland is encouraging visitors to stay longer, travel slower and contribute to the country’s utmost strengths in a COVID-cautious world: space.

Originally appeared in the summer 2021 issue of The Compass Magazine.