Agents have seen a rise in the number of customers booking holidays to Iceland since the country’s banking system collapsed last month.
Figures from the Iceland Tourism Board revealed that the number of British people visiting the country rose by 20% in September after the fall in the value of the krona brought prices down. A total of 8,748 Brits travelled to Iceland between September 1 and October 13, compared with 7,315 last year.
Tour operators have been slashing their prices by up to 25% and offering special deals,including free nights and excursions.
Tailor-made tour operator Regent Travel has seen a “definite upturn in enquiries” in the past two weeks.
Sales and marketing manager Ray Steward said: “We have had more people asking for brochures and enquiring about bookings for next spring, with a high level of take-up. We have also seen a much higher click-through rate on the emails we send to agents.
“We have been able to bring our prices down and the value of the krona means it is cheaper when you’re there –so people who have been put off by the price in the past are finding it’s a great time to go.”
Bath Travel senior travel consultant Ruth Griffiths added: “We are making sure the Iceland brochures are prominently positioned and mentioning it to customers. We are letting people who have always wanted to go to Iceland know about the good exchange rate.“
Iceland Tourist Board director of marketing Sigrun Hlin Sigurdardottir said: “We are positive the winter will also see an increase in visitor figures with tourists coming to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon and do some Christmas shopping.“