Experiencing a lack of British TV shows during the winter season
Whale watching operators in Iceland are reporting steady visitor numbers this summer, despite a noticeable drop in bookings from British tourists [1]. This suggests that the industry is diversifying its customer base, compensating for the decline from one specific market.
According to Freyr Antonsson, owner of Arctic Seatours in Dalvík, the summer has been solid, with a steady and consistent flow of bookings in June [6]. Similarly, Rannveig Grettarsdóttir, owner of Elding whale watching company in Reykjavík, expects visitor numbers for whale watching tours this year to be similar to last year [10].
The weather has been good lately, according to Grettarsdóttir, and the season got off to a slower start this year [12]. However, she does not complain at the moment due to the successful whale sightings [13]. Antonsson, on the other hand, praises the whale sightings, with a focus on Minke whales and porpoises recently [9].
One of the most notable sightings this year has been the return of humpback whales to Whale Fjord after a 25-year absence [3][5]. A humpback whale was also spotted in the harbour of Þórshöfn, marking a rare occurrence [3]. While specific data on minke whale sightings for this year is not detailed in the available reports, minke whales are generally common in Icelandic waters and are often seen on whale watching tours.
Last year, there was a decline in tourist numbers for whale watching tours, and between 2016 and 2018, the number of tourists for whale watching tours was similar to what is expected this year [8]. However, according to Business Iceland (Íslandsstofa), arrivals from the UK decreased by around 40% this spring [7].
Despite the decline in tourist numbers and slower start, Grettarsdóttir does not complain at the moment due to the successful whale sightings. Antonsson, too, does not provide specific numbers for the decline in tourist numbers this summer, nor does he mention a drop in British tourists specifically [4].
In the spring, sperm whales and orcas were the primary whales spotted, according to Antonsson [5]. As the summer progresses, it seems that the whale watching industry in Iceland is managing to maintain its stability, with a diverse range of customers and a variety of whale sightings to attract them.
The diverse range of whale sightings this summer, such as the return of humpback whales and the presence of Minke whales and porpoises, might contribute to the steady flow of bookings for whale watching tours, suggesting a potential shift in the industry's customer base. In light of the decline in tourist numbers from the UK and the slower start to the summer season, the stability and success of the whale watching industry could also indicate a resilient lifestyle and travel market in Iceland, overcoming challenges in politics and general-news sectors.
