Presentation in London on international flights from Akureyri

On January 11, Business Iceland hosted a presentation in London for the Nature Direct project. The project supports the collaboration of Business Iceland, Isavia, North Iceland's marketing office, and Austurbrú in promoting the airports in Akureyri and Egilsstaðir for direct international flights from the north and east regions, respectively. The event was at Iceland's embassy in London with the primary goal of promoting direct flights from London Gatwick.

The Ambassador of Iceland, Sturla Sigurjónsson, welcomed guests with the Minister of Culture and Business Affairs, Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, delivering an introductory speech. Then, Hrafnhildur Þórisdóttir, Business Manager of Tourism at Business Iceland and liaison to the UK market, presented Iceland as a destination. Following this, Arnheiður Jóhannsdóttir, CEO of the North Iceland Marketing Office, enlightened guests about the natural wonders of North Iceland.

Business Iceland's CEO, Pétur Þ. Óskarsson, Lína Petra Þórarinsdóttir, Head of Tourism, Þorleifur Þór Jónsson, Account Manager for Scandinavia and financial markets, and Halldór Óli Kjartansson, Project Manager at the North Iceland Marketing Office, met with representatives from easyJet, Wojtek Gluch, Airport Development Manager and Ali Gayward, Country Manager. They all answered questions about Iceland as a destination and the benefits of direct international flights to the country.

Both media and travel agencies attended the event, and there was tremendous interest in direct flights to Akureyri and general travel to Iceland. EasyJet's flights have been very well received and have boosted tourism in North Iceland. easyJet's winter flight schedule from October through March has been very well received and has boosted tourism in North Iceland. The continuation of easyJet flights next winter further enhances Akureyri—and North Iceland—as a destination, according to Arnheiður Jóhannsdóttir, CEO of the North Iceland Marketing Office.

See: Development of International Flights in Rural Areas

Below are some pictures from the event