The first half of 2009 has marked a significant decrease in the number of Icelanders travelling by plane. In comparison to the first half of 2008 45 percent fewer carriers of Icelandic passports have passed through Keflavík, down to 125,000 from 228,000, according to Fréttabladid.
What’s more, and what’s more troubling for Iceland’s tourism revenue, is a slight dip in the number of foreign travellers passing through the country’s international airport. By June’s end 179,000 foreigners passed through Keflavík, compared to 184,000 the previous year; a 3 percent decrease.
However, according to tourism statistics released by the Icelandic Tourist Board in late May, there is expected to be an overall increase in tourism to the country for 2009. Furthermore, the statistics for 2008 represented a 3.5% increase over incoming tourism in 2007, so the decreased foreign tourism in the first half of this year realistically represents a levelling out of sorts.
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!
