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In Iceland’s stunning and rugged terrains, where geysers erupt and glaciers glisten under the Midnight Sun, a distinct group of adventurers embarks on global journeys. Icelanders are increasingly leaving their volcanic island to explore the world, enjoying visa-free travel to 149 countries, with the USA, UK, and Spain being top choices.

Famous for their adventurous spirit and love for natural beauty, Icelanders are delving into 2024’s outbound tourism trends, unveiling their favorite destinations, travel motivations, and the impact of global factors on their decisions.

In 2023, international departures from Iceland rose by 14%.

Icelandic travelers favor a variety of destinations, particularly within Europe, reflecting a trend towards regional exploration. Eight of their top ten travel spots are in Europe.

This diversification among travel destinations is significant. Analyzing these locations’ size and potential is essential for identifying growth opportunities for Iceland as a source market and for destinations aiming to attract Icelandic tourists.

As of 2024, popular countries for Icelandic travelers include:

• United States: The diversity of attractions and cultural experiences makes the U.S. a frequent choice for Icelandic visitors.
• Norway: Sharing Nordic roots, Norway draws Icelanders with its stunning natural landscapes and cultural similarities.
• Denmark: As another Nordic neighbor, Denmark attracts Icelanders with its historical sites and cultural heritage.
• Spain: The sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and rich culture make Spain a favored destination.
• United Kingdom: Renowned for its historical landmarks, museums, and bustling cities, the UK continues to be a top destination for travelers from Iceland.

These destinations appeal to Icelandic tourists due to their cultural resonance, accessibility, and well-developed tourism infrastructures.

95 countries’ citizens can travel to Iceland visa-free.

Icelandic passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to 149 countries and territories, including:

• Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tunisia.
• Asia: Armenia, Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, Palestine, Philippines, China, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, Uzbekistan.
• Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
• North America: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Greenland, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States, United States Virgin Islands.
• Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Micronesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu.
• South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Motivations and Preferences

Icelandic travelers in 2024 are driven by varied motivations. Adventure seekers are drawn to destinations offering activities like hiking and skiing, with Norway’s terrains and New Zealand’s untouched natural settings being popular. Cultural immersion is significant, with Italy and Japan being particularly enticing due to their rich histories and cultural richness. For relaxation, destinations like Thailand and the Maldives, with their idyllic beaches and luxurious resorts, are ideal.

Impact of Global Factors

Several global factors influence Icelandic travel choices in 2024. Economic conditions, favorable exchange rates, and affordable air travel significantly impact decisions, encouraging longer trips when conditions are right and prompting local travel during economic downturns. Environmental awareness also guides their travel choices, with a preference for sustainable tourism practices.

Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Iceland’s largest airport, plays a crucial role in this surge. It acts as the primary gateway, with flights to over 90 destinations worldwide. Icelandair and WOW Air offer numerous options for traveling to key cities like New York, London, Copenhagen, and Toronto.

Throughout 2024, Iceland’s airports are bustling with travelers heading out on global adventures, reflecting Iceland’s enhanced connectivity and adventurous spirit. Seasonal peaks bring more flights to vacation spots like the Caribbean, while business travelers head to major economic centers such as Singapore, Dubai, and Shanghai.

This continuous movement promotes cultural exchanges, benefiting Iceland’s cultural scene and economy. By the end of each day, the flurry of activity at the gates marks another dynamic day in Iceland’s thriving aviation scene, showcasing a nation deeply connected to the global stage.

Top 3 Airports in Iceland

Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

• Location: Keflavík, about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík
• Highlights: As the largest airport in Iceland, KEF serves as the main gateway for international travel. It handles nearly seven million passengers annually and offers flights to over 90 destinations worldwide. Managed by Isavia, KEF is crucial for both Icelandic and international travelers.
• Facilities: Modern amenities, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and efficient transport links to Reykjavík.

Reykjavík Airport (RKV)

• Location: Located just 2 km from the city center of Reykjavík
• Highlights: Primarily serves domestic flights and flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands. It is the main hub for domestic airlines like Air Iceland Connect.
• Facilities: Offers a range of passenger services including cafes, rental car services, and easy access to the city center.

Akureyri Airport (AEY)

• Location: Akureyri, in the northern part of Iceland
• Highlights: Serves as a vital regional airport, connecting northern Iceland to Reykjavík and offering seasonal international flights. It’s a key gateway for travelers exploring the northern regions and attractions like Lake Mývatn.
• Facilities: Modern terminal with essential passenger services, including cafes, car rentals, and parking facilities.

Top 3 Airlines in Iceland

Icelandair

• Overview: The largest and most prominent airline in Iceland, known for connecting North America and Europe via its hub at Keflavík International Airport.
• Destinations: Offers flights to numerous destinations across North America, Europe, and seasonal flights to other locations. Key destinations include New York, London, Copenhagen, and Paris.
• Services: Known for excellent service, comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and a range of amenities. It also provides a stopover program, allowing passengers to explore Iceland at no additional airfare.

PLAY

• Overview: A relatively new, low-cost carrier that started operations in 2021. It aims to offer affordable flights between Europe and North America.
• Destinations: Focuses on key cities in Europe and North America, including destinations like London, Paris, and Boston.
• Services: Provides budget-friendly options with a focus on affordability and efficiency. Basic amenities are offered, with additional services available for purchase.

Air Iceland Connect

• Overview: A regional airline primarily serving domestic flights within Iceland and flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands. It is a subsidiary of Icelandair.
• Destinations: Covers all major domestic destinations such as Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður, as well as international flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
• Services: Offers reliable and frequent services with a focus on connecting smaller communities within Iceland. Passengers can expect basic in-flight services and comfortable seating for shorter flights.