The Surprising Boom of Iceland’s Tourism Industry
Just a few years ago, my home country of Iceland was a relatively unknown destination. As a child, I rarely met tourists, and those who did visit often had a quirky fascination with Vikings or a passion for Björk’s music. Fast forward to the present, and Iceland has become a hotspot for travelers from around the world.
A Perfect Storm of Circumstances
Two significant events contributed to Iceland’s sudden popularity: the collapse of our banking system in 2008 and the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010. These events, although disastrous at the time, inadvertently promoted Iceland as a unique and exciting vacation spot. The devaluation of the króna, our national currency, made it more affordable for tourists to visit, and the world took notice.
A New Era of Tourism
As a result, Icelanders like myself found ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of tourism. Our economy flourished, and life became more vibrant. Simple pleasures like waiting for the bus became more enjoyable, thanks to the renovated bus station with its food court and amenities. The city came alive with activity, and people from all walks of life flocked to our shores.
Capitalizing on the Boom
With the increase in tourism, many Icelanders, including myself, saw an opportunity to earn some extra income. I started renting out a room in my apartment on Airbnb, and it proved to be a lucrative venture. I enjoyed meeting people from diverse backgrounds and hearing their stories. One guest, a South Korean composer, shared her struggles with finding her true path, while another couple… well, let’s just say they got a bit too comfortable in the common area of my building!
The Reality of Hosting on Airbnb
While hosting on Airbnb had its perks, it wasn’t without its challenges. It required a lot of work, from managing bookings to dealing with unexpected issues. Guests would call or message me at all hours, and I had to be constantly available. I also found myself spending more money, partly due to lifestyle inflation and partly because I wanted to accommodate my guests’ needs. My home no longer felt like my own, and I had to limit my use of the kitchen and living areas.
The Downsides of Running an Airbnb
There were three main downsides to hosting on Airbnb:
- It’s a lot of work: Managing bookings, answering messages, and dealing with issues took a toll on my time and energy.
- Increased expenses: I spent more money on food and other necessities, partly due to lifestyle inflation and partly because I wanted to accommodate my guests.
- Loss of personal space: My home no longer felt like my own, and I had to limit my use of the kitchen and living areas to accommodate my guests.
The End of an Era
After a successful summer of hosting, I decided to stop renting out my room on Airbnb. The value of the króna had increased, and the tourism industry had changed. Guests became more demanding, and the benefits no longer outweighed the drawbacks. Today, tourism in Iceland seems to be slowing down, and I think it’s a welcome change. The country was getting a bit too popular, and the cost of living was becoming unsustainable.
A Parting Anecdote
One guest’s preference for skyr, an Icelandic dairy product, over Häagen-Dazs ice cream still leaves me baffled. It’s a small example of how Iceland’s popularity had reached a fever pitch. I’m glad to see things returning to normal, and I’ll always cherish the memories of my summer as an Airbnb host.
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