The North Iceland tourism marketing office has weighed in to the debate about Chinese investor Huang Nubo’s controversial plans to buy a huge plot of land at Grimsstadir a Fjollum and build a luxury hotel, spa and golf resort.
The Chinese government has now stated in may recommend Nubo drop his idea if the storm of controversy surrounding it does not die down soon. Chino-Icelandic relations could potentially become strained amid claims the deal could mask a more sinister intent to increase Chinese influence on the North Atlantic and potential Arctic shipping lanes.
Some in Icelandic politics are wary of selling such a large plot of land to foreign interests; but others say the country’s regulatory framework is strong enough for such a deal to go ahead without risk.
The North Iceland tourism marketing office has fallen in with the pro-side; saying it welcomes investment in North Iceland tourism.
A statement from the tourism board states that all new investment in the region’s tourism is welcome; as long as it is in accordance with laws and regulations and adheres to the goal of sustainable and environmentally-aware tourist services; which is a nationwide aim for the tourism industry.
Nubo says his resort would draw on eco-tourism principles and take environmental protection extremely seriously.
If his plans are allowed to go ahead, Nubo’s project at Grimsstadir a Fjollum would create a raft of new opportunities, boost the North Iceland travel industry and create better living conditions for locals in the area, the statement says.
I think I may have been to Grimsstadir a few years back but I am not sure. I was with Birgir Andresson, the artist who died a couple of years ago. Birgir was a friend and my wife’s cousin (my wife is Icelandic, I have been a regular visitor to Iceland since 1983, the year we were married). We were returning from Seydisfjordur together and stopped off at an old restored farm which may or may not have been the inspiration for Haldor Laxness’s novel “Independant people”. Perhaps this was not the same place, but I have certainly been close by a number of times along route 1.
I am not Icelandic, nor do I live in Iceland except for visits with my wife to stay with her family, but I am constantly in touch with Icelanders either here in France or in Iceland, and my wife keeps in very close contact with her extended family. But my perspective is from the outside. I have seen attitudes change in Iceland, particularly with people in Reykjavik towards the countryside. And I have seen the countryside from the other side, with my wife’s cousin and aunt who had a farm near Akuryri. I suppose I have not liked the way people in the capital especially in the last few years have abandoned the old ideals and seem to have adopted an attitude of material gain at any price, because this is something I have seen also in other places, particularly China which is a country I also know very well, having visited regularly for quite long periods over the last 25 years. The Chinese have transformed their country, and change was absolutely necessary, but no consideration has been given to the environment, and the environment has been shockingly degraded. I know many Chinese who regret this, and by comparison, the Icelandic countryside which has remained relatively untouched mainly because it has had so little commercial value (at least until now), must seem like an unbelievable dream. And perhaps it is also because I too have seen nothing so beautiful in my travels. Natural beauty cannot be improved, especially when commercial interests are involved. I have many Chinese friends, and great respect for Chinese culture and values. I have also seen many places of beauty in China degraded through commercial interests. Perhaps this would not happen in Iceland, the regulations would not permit it, nonetheless, money speaks loudly now, and many people’s pride is now placed in development rather than nature, and unfortunately money is required to compensate reckless business failure.
Bad idea. Don’t start down that slippery slope!
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