There is a significant level of satisfaction and positivity towards foreign tourists' inflow in Iceland, despite a fall in the numbers of those holding such views.
Photo: Jóhann Bjarni Kolbeinsson / RÚV.
Tourism Research Centre completed a survey (in Icelandic) which supports this finding. However, it highlights the importance of the tourism industry not taking the hospitality of Icelanders for granted.
This study was first carried out ten years ago, when many had a perception that tourism was viewed negatively, and that there were felt to be too many tourists.
The Icelandic Tourism Board commissioned the Research Centre to see if that was true, by studying the attitude of the citizens towards tourists and the tourism industry.
It transpired that in fact, tourism was viewed much more positively than the perception suggested.
The results from the latest survey suggest this has not changed dramatically since, even though the number of tourists has increased significantly in the past decade.
There have, however, been some shifts. There has been a decrease in the number of people who consider tourism economically important and hold positive views on its impact on job diversity, the community, and the economy. Additionally, there has been a slight increase in the level of disturbance caused by tourists. Overall satisfaction with tourism in the community, as well as residents’ confidence in the sustainability of tourism, has diminished.
The population was split into two camps regarding whether it was necessary to limit the number of tourists entering the country, although those opposed to restrictions slightly outnumbered those who believed they were necessary. A majority (57%) supported continued marketing efforts to attract more tourists. However, more than half of the population (55%) considered it necessary to limit the arrivals of cruise ships to the country.
The survey also reveals that about two out of three Icelanders see tourists almost daily in their local area, and around nine out of ten see them weekly.
Alarm bells which ring regarding the number of tourists vary by location - two parts of the country stand out, but for different reasons. In Suðurland, the number of people who think there are too many tourists is increasing, but in Suðurnes, the increase in tourist numbers is welcomed.
The findings of this study show that although residents acknowledge the economic benefits of tourism, there are clearly growing concerns that require action. Policy-making and management need to reflect this development in order to maintain and strengthen the community's trust and support for tourism...
Although Icelanders generally have a positive attitude towards tourists, feeling that they add life to society, there were also many who used the opportunity in the survey to express criticism of the tourism industry itself and suggest what they felt the government could do better.
Residents were most positive about the impact of tourism on social and economic development. The most favourable aspects were related to opportunities for individuals, businesses, and municipalities to strengthen local employment, increased entertainment and services, and more vibrant community life. However, opinions were more divided regarding the social and environmental impacts of the number and behaviour of tourists, which must be taken seriously. These concerns include factors such as overcrowding in certain situations, pressure on infrastructure, and environmental damage.
Eyrún Ósk Bjarnadóttir from the Tourism Research Centre says it is important to listen to these voices so that the same issues as have been seen in popular tourist destinations in Southern Europe do not arise.
She adds that it is necessary to nurture important aspects such as the hospitality of the Icelandic people, which must not be taken for granted.
Source: ruv.is, Road Genius
Also read the publication:
NOVATEK Official Response To Shadow Fleet Allegations
