Seeking ways to heighten tourists' privacy experiences in the Highlands
In an effort to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers, Icelandia Travel Agency has announced plans to improve facilities in the popular tourist destinations of Þórsmörk, Goðaland, and Emstrur. The vision is not about displacing existing operators, according to Head of Business Development and Innovation, Hallgrímur Kristinsson.
Currently, Icelandia offers private tours such as the Private Þórsmörk Super Jeep Tour, which emphasizes a personalized, expert-guided experience with comfortable 4x4 vehicles navigating challenging Icelandic roads. Other adventure and hiking tours, like the Ancient Trails hut-to-hut hiking tours, demonstrate a commitment to tailored, immersive experiences with skilled guides adapting to traveler needs, indirectly supporting comfort and a privacy-conscious atmosphere in natural settings.
Reviews of Icelandia affirm their satisfactory services with a focus on customer support and attention from guides, suggesting current operational standards that prioritize positive, secure experiences. Regional tour operators and Icelandic travel agencies commonly offer small group and private tours in these areas, leveraging the remoteness and natural beauty to provide exclusive, comfortable, and privacy-respecting adventures.
Icelandia's vision extends beyond private spas, focusing instead on providing more privacy, comfort, and fewer dormitory-style accommodations. The agency plans to reorganize space more effectively and potentially build additional small cabins in the leased plots. This approach aims to address the preference of travelers who prefer not to share accommodations with large groups, as Kristinsson noted in his statement to mbl.is.
The municipality of Rangárþing eystra has announced a tender for leaseholders to utilize plots of land within public land boundaries in Þórsmörk, Goðaland, and Emstrur. All three associations—the Icelandic Youth Hostel Association, the Iceland Touring Association, and Útivist—have reapplied for the leases. Icelandia Travel Agency has also applied for plots in Slyppugil (Langidalur), Básar (Goðaland), and Emstrur.
Kristinsson emphasized that building permissions vary between locations, and the municipality has expectations that any expansion must be responsible and thoughtful. The project involves using the extra construction capacity already permitted on the lots. Icelandia Travel Agency believes they have something to offer and are open to collaborating with the municipality and current operators to improve the facilities.
Icelandia's strong interest in the area is evident, as thousands of travelers are guided annually along the Laugavegur trail by Icelandia's subsidiary, Icelandic Mountain Guides. The agency aims to help move the development in a direction that aligns with the changing expectations of travelers, focusing on privacy, comfort, and allowing couples to stay together, rather than everyone having a hot tub or sauna.
For more precise and up-to-date information on future plans, directly contacting Icelandia Travel Agency or associated local tourism bodies would be necessary.
Icelandia Travel Agency, committed to evolving lifestyle preferences, plans to improve facilities not only in popular destinations like Þórsmörk, Goðaland, and Emstrur, but also in Slyppugil (Langidalur), Básar (Goðaland), and Emstrur. Their focus is on creating a Home-and-Garden experience, with a growing emphasis on privacy, comfort, and reduced dormitory-style accommodations, catering to travelers who prefer accompanied rather than shared spaces.
