The Tourist Information Centre in Reykjavík welcomed one-third more
guests in September, October, November and on through the new year,
when compared to figures from this same time last year. RÚV reports that December probably broke all records, with a 40% increase in tourists.
Spending was also up among tourists, especially on and around the new year. The hugely devalued krónur is one likely contributing factor in the boost of tourism and tourist spending, as it does coincide with the bank crashes of last fall.
Perhaps ironically, the Tourist Office will be closing its branches in Frankfurt and Copenhagen, due to organizational and economic changes. Six people will lose work from the change. Their jobs will still be safe for a few months at least, though – the Copehagen office won’t close until the first of May; the Frankfurt office on the first of July. Tourist Office director Ólöf Ýrr Atladóttir told reporters she sees the move as being beneficial in the long run.