Tourism is up, it seems in most of the world; France and the U.S. are both preparing for 100 million visitor years soon. And Iceland, while far behind in total visitors, is among the most-rapidly-growing destinations.
Iceland had 970,000 visitors last year, up 24%, and this May's total was 91,023, up 36% from May last year, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board. Also up in May, WAY up, is tourism from the U.S. In May, 20,000 U.S. tourists visited, a 76% increase over last May.
Turisti.is suggests that much of the increase of U.S. traffic comes from expanded air service. Last May, Icelandair was the only carrier, with 218 flights. This year, they've added a new U.S. service to Portland, OR, and increased flights from other cities, and WOW air, an Icelandic discounter has entered the field. Delta, which used to begin its seasonal service in June, also added May flights. In all, there were 103 more flights this May, a total of 321. MORE from Turisti.is
Photo: Roo72
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