Iceland and Scotland Join Forces on Tourism Development

Scotland's First Minister First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is attending the Arctic Circle Assembly 2016 in Iceland's capital Reykjavik. Delegates from 50 countries are attending the conference to discuss the development and protection of the Arctic region.The first minister is addressing the Assembly on the topic of climate change. Whilst there she has also announced an agreement between tourist organisations in Scotland and Iceland. A Memorandum of Understanding will see VisitScotland and the Icelandic Tourist Board sharing information and best practice on areas such as quality development, providing information and sustainability. The agreement will see collaboration on tourism development, boosting film tourism and making the best of digital markets.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland and Iceland are world-renowned tourist destinations and we share a common interest in developing a sustainable tourism sector that continues to excite and attract visitors.

“New direct air routes between our two nations started earlier this year, so it’s a fitting time for VisitScotland and the Icelandic Tourist Board to deepen their collaboration, learn more from each other and enhance the tourist experience in both of our countries in the coming years.”

Olof Yrr Atladottir, chief executive of the Icelandic Tourist Board, said: “Icelandic tourism has been going through enormous growth in the past years. Such growth inevitably brings with it new challenges that need to be addressed.

“Scottish tourism and VisitScotland have a multitude of experiences that we at the Icelandic Tourist Board have been able to learn from and we believe that the signing of this agreement will benefit both countries in years to come.

“We very much look forward to our future co-operation within a vibrant and flourishing industry.”