There are increasing signs that Iceland is turning into a ‘tourist country’ after complaints of high prices during the summer, ruv.is reports.
Slices of cake sold for ISK 1,200 (USD 10, EUR 7.75) and expensive car hire have made headlines in Iceland this week. Edvard Huijbens, director of the Icelandic Tourism Research Centre (ITRC), says that the issue needs to be discussed more thoroughly.
“What we have to face is that Iceland is primarily a tourist destination. Tourism has become our largest export sector; it is the industry which generates the most foreign exchange. Iceland is a destination. We must discuss this. What I’m worried about, or find more interesting in this discussion, is a certain irritability towards the industry. These are warning signs.”
Edvard says he is worried about how early in the season frustration towards the industry is showing this year. According to Edvard, locals usually do not lose their patience until August. Edvard is calling for further research on the issues and practices in the tourism industry so that the issues can be better discussed.
