Great interest in the north-west countries

Sustainability is the big buzz word in today’s tourism industry, and the north-west countries are regarded as an ideal destination in this respect.

At the Westnorthern Travel Mart, taking place in Tórshavn this week, 118 tourism operators from across the world are gathered to seek inspiration on how to sell more tours to this region.

“There has been a clear and rapid increase in international interest in the north-west countries as a travel destination in the past few years,” says Miguel Denaro from Spanish tour operator Island Tours S.R.L, one of the travel agencies represented at the event.

With regards to the Faroe Islands, he highlights the country’s unspoilt nature, authenticity and the stunning landscape as the major selling points.

“It is very clear that this growing interest is due to our clients being nature lovers and environmentally aware people, and this region is highly attractive to them,” he adds.

Riding a wave

Although the Faroe Islands are proving a popular destination for environmentally aware people, there have been concerns among locals recently about the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting the Faroes and how it affects the Faroese countryside and local culture.

“We are very aware of the environmental challenges posed by the growing tourism industry, but it would be unwise to stop marketing our country as a tourist destination now,” says Guðrið Højgaard, CEO of Visit Faroe Islands.

“It is important that we continue the current momentum because we could easily be forgotten as a tourist destination if we turn down our efforts to attract tourists.”

This is the 34th Westnorthern Travel Mart, which is organised on a rotational basis by the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland.

Translated by prosa.fo