Tourism leaders announced a huge surge in North American visitors to Iceland over the last year, with a sharp rise of 42.7% from January 2013 to January 2014.
This was made up of an increase of 34% in US travelers visiting the country, while Canadian visitation shot up by more than 150% in a twelve-month period.
Icelandic tourism has been making waves in the media on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years, showcasing its landscape as film locations for ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’
Interest in the country has also ramped up ever since NASA said the northern lights were at their brightest for more than 10 years.
Project Manager at Promote Iceland Líney Inga Arnórsdóttir said visitor numbers are rising significantly as "intrigue for Iceland’s many attractions grows."
"We are delighted to see increased interest in Iceland from our friends in the US and Canada and we are optimistic that the number of visitors from these countries and around the world will continue to rise."
National carrier Icelandair now serves 12 major cities in North America and markets several unique vacation packages specifically to the US and Canadian market, such as the new for 2014 ‘Northern Lights and Glacier Hike.’
The carrier is part of Iceland Naturally, a cooperative marketing organization promoting Icelandic culture and tourism.
The organization also comprises officials from the city of Reykjavik, Keflavik International Airport, Promote Iceland and the Icelandic government.
Iceland Naturally is currently hosting a series of ‘Taste of Iceland’ events in North America showcasing the country’s culture and tourism opportunities, starting today in Edmonton and in Boston from March 14-18.
