The Landowners Association of Geysir has decided to suspend the introduction of an entrance fee to visitors of the Geysir geothermal area after the Finance Minister filed an injunction demand at the Selfoss District Commissioner on Friday, ruv.is reports.
The association’s lawyer is examining the issue. The landowners say that they have been unsuccessful in seeking a meeting with the minister. The area receives up to 6,000 visitors per day and landowners say that the fee will be used for development and protection of the area. The idea has been harshly criticized by some in the tourism industry.
According to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, the Icelandic State owns a large part of the land and therefore it is unlawful for the landowners to make a unilateral decision about implementing a fee. Funds, the committee says, should come from implementing a nature pass system or other methods.
