Once deliberate the hidden gem of Europe ’s tourism industry , Iceland has officially become too popular for its own good . AsBloombergreports , the Nordic nation is looking to enforce taxes and regulation on touristry to provide relief to its overwhelmed economic system .
Iceland is one of the hottest travel finish of the moment : grant to the Icelandic Tourist Board , the number of alien visitors fall into the country more than tripled between 2000 and 2014 [ PDF ] .
Since then , cagey campaigns have further hike its appeal . In2016 , Icelandair launch its “ Stopover Buddy ” promotion that couple local Host with travelers who agree to detain in Iceland for liberal extended layovers . That same year , Inspired by Iceland released a series of “ Iceland Academy ” videos apprize possible travelers on subject field likeavoiding awkward hot tubful moment . The fact that airfare to Iceland isdirt cheapcompared to other parts of Europe is also a major draw .
But traveller should look Iceland to get more expensive in the near future . In an effort to protectthe nation ’s raw landmarksfrom the 1000000 of visitor pouring over the delimitation every year , the coalition government is consider requiring tour bus lines and tour party to apply for especial licence .
Iceland already enforces a hotel tax . It render roughly $ 3.6 million for the country last class and could convey in up to $ 11 million in 2017 . The government is now deal upgrade that finicky revenue enhancement even higher .
Even without the Modern disbursement , vacationing in Iceland can get pricey once that initial woodworking plane ticket is purchased . Hotel room presently cost about a third more than they do in other Nordic capital , and alcohol-dependent drinks cost twice the norm for the European Union . For up - and - coming destinations that have yet to face touristry recoil , you may want to avoid Western Europe altogether . This handy infographicnames state in Eastern Europe , Asia , and the Middle East as point to keep an middle on .
[ h / tBloomberg ]
