Iceland's longest-established DMC isn't looking to rest on the destination's traditionally sustainable laurels, and is instead committing to a people- and strategy-led process to not only assuage the negative impacts of tourism but make positive ones
Under the Travel Connect umbrella (which features a number of other brands in Iceland and beyond, including Iceland Tours and Iceland Unlimited), Iceland Travel has earned Travelife certification, recognising its sustainability training and management. Travelife certification requires and recognises minimal operational and supply chain impact on the environment and local communities.
An employee-led committee dictates a waste reduction policy which monitors and records waste volume to fuel monthly reductions. This has already dictated the recycling of paper, plastics, organic waste, bottles, cans, aluminium, and glass, and extends to the reduction of guest and booking paperwork.
Local suppliers have become key to Iceland Travel's sustainable M.O., too, and all power across office locations is sourced from renewable sources. Staff members can have their public transport costs reimbursed up to 80%.
Guests can join Iceland Travel in its commitment to sustainable practices on the DMC's tours. In October, the 'Akureyri – Arctic Hot Springs & Northern Lights Getaway' itinerary was unveiled, hoping to disperse guests beyond the crowded Golden Circle and instead into the island's north.
That dispersal ensures a more serene exploration of Iceland's iconic landscapes and, should guests be lucky enough, a better view of the Northern Lights thanks to the absence of impactful light pollution.
'Akureyri – Arctic Hot Springs & Northern Lights Getaway' leads in from £372 per person, covering three- or four-night accommodation, Iceland breakfast, return transfers to the airport and the Forest Lagoon, customer care service and 24-hour emergency line access.
Hear more about the "initiatives... that will see the destination and Iceland Travel grow" from the DMC's interview with Travel Bulletin at World Travel Market 2024 here.
