A new record was set in the number of foreign tourists to visit Iceland this August. According to new figures from the Iceland Tourist Board, around 92,000 foreign guests left Iceland through Keflavik International Airport during the month – 8,000 more than last year.
The number of foreign visitors to Iceland this August was therefore some 9.6 percent higher than in 2008. On the other hand, Icelanders departing Keflavik were 40 percent down on last year: 24,000 compared to 39,000.
Splitting the visitors into groups, it seems the biggest increase in visitors came from mid and southern Europe, the Nordic countries and North America. But when looked at on a country-by-country basis, the Chinese, Finnish, Spanish, Italians and Germans make up the biggest increase. The number of visiting Poles went down by 36 percent, on the other hand. There were also 17 percent fewer Britons visiting.
of course, Icelandic Air Companies have increased their routes this year…
They mean 92,000 going through Keflavik airport, they are counting by “guessts” people that is in transit(wich is the majority), and please, is that 9.6 increase in “turists” that they were specting to save the economy of the country? yes!!!! 8,000 people more passing through Iceland is really going to boost up the reserves of forign currency!!!
“The number of visiting Poles went down by 36 percent”
Visiting? You kidding me.
These “tourists” were visiting construction sites. Or hotels – as cleaning ladies.
“Icelanders departing Keflavik were 40 percent down on last year: 24,000 compared to 39,000.”
That’s really good news. More money left in the country. Also some Icelanders finally went to see their own country. I noticed how many Icelanders in their 30-s were around Iceland for the first time (as they used maps to find Svartifoss for example).
that is a way to work the kreppa! Tourism is the best and so natural. You go Iceland!