- Icelandic economic situation puts Iceland as a value destination in the spotlight

Iceland’s leading airline, Icelandair, has seen an increase in UK sales over the past year since the Icelandic economic situation has brought increased attention to the destination.

Travellers are flocking to Iceland due to the favourable currency exchange rate for UK visitors which has also been confirmed by the Lonely Planet World Travel Guide choosing Iceland as the 2010 best value destination for 2010.

“It seems that in the middle of the media interest we have been able to communicate the fact that this is a great time to visit Iceland, because as a traveller you simply get more for your money than ever before”, says Birkir Holm Gudnason, CEO of Icelandair.

Hjorvar Saeberg Hognason, General Manager UK, added, “If you compare what a pound got you on 1st February 2008 to 1st February 2010, you see an increase of 57%, so you can see why UK passengers are heading to Iceland in droves to experience the breathtaking nature and enjoy activities like searching for the northern lights. Whale watching season is just around the corner so we hope to see many travellers heading over to see the whales and amazing birdlife.”

Last week Icelandair added another three percent to its flight schedule, which was already ten percent up from last year, as a reaction to the rising interest in Iceland tourism.

Icelandair is one of Iceland’s longest established companies, connecting the world and Iceland for over 70 years.
For more information on Icelandair and to book flights visit www.icelandair.com

Icelandair Holidays offers Iceland City Break featuring visit to magical North Iceland

On a visit to Iceland, it’s easy to stay in Reykjavik and enjoy the surrounding countryside with all of its beauty and easy accessibility. But there is a wonderful place that many visitors miss out on… gorgeous North Iceland. To introduce UK travellers to this less touristy part of Iceland that’s full of breathtaking fjords, quaint fishing villages and the otherworldly Lake Myvatn region, Icelandair Holidays is pleased to introduce the Northern Exposure City Break from £499*.

The Northern Exposure City Break package starts with return flights from London Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow to Reykjavik to Iceland, four nights accommodation at the four-star Hotel Loftleidir including Scandinavian breakfast buffet. Travellers can then choose one day to travel on a full day tour to North Iceland including domestic flights on Air Iceland.

After an exciting flight with breathtaking views on a clear day, guests arrive in Akureyri and are taken to the twin waterfall Godafoss, named after the pagan idols thrown into it a thousand years ago. Europe’s largest bird sanctuary is next where species breed among the mystical blend of lush vegetation and lava spires. After a short break, the tour heads to the colourful majesty of the still-active Krafla volcano, and from there to sizzling Hverarönd, famous for its bubbling sulfur mud pots.

A walking tour of Dimmuborgir is next, a surreal lava park with unique rock formations towering above and delicate flowers dotting the ground below. After a brief stop in the village Reykjahlíð, the tour returns to Akureyri to catch the evening flight back to Reykjavik. Passengers will also visit Mývatn Nature Baths and have the option to enjoy a swim in the lagoon.

To top off a fantastic trip, this City Break also includes entrance to the Laugardalslaug geothermal pools in Reykjavik where travellers can rest before their return to the UK.

Icelandair is one of Iceland’s longest established companies, connecting the world and Iceland for over 70 years. The Northern Exposure City Break starts at £499*. This Icelandair Holidays offer is valid for booking online at www.icelandair.co.uk until 31st March.

- Flights, 3 Nights Accommodations + Free Blue Lagoon Visit from £269*

If the cold weather has you singing the blues, Icelandair has the perfect city break to help you warm up in… Iceland, naturally! For the month of February, those who book the popular Iceland City Break will receive a free visit to the Blue Lagoon. This package starting from £269* provides a huge savings of over £200 versus booking the components separately and includes flights from Glasgow, London or Manchester to Iceland, 3 nights accommodations and a free visit to the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in the middle of a moonscape lava field on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula. Visitors enjoy bathing in warm soothing waters of a surreal blue hue and can relax in one of the facilities saunas. The visit to the Blue Lagoon includes transportation to and from the site and entrance into the facility. While at the spa, visitors can take advantage of the favourable exchange rate and book a massage or skin treatment for a low additional cost.

Icelandair is one of Iceland’s longest established companies, connecting the world and Iceland for over 70 years. Icelandair’s offer is valid for booking online at www.icelandair.co.uk until 28th February. Visit www.icelandair.co.uk or further information on this package. Visit www.bluelagoon.com for information on the Blue Lagoon.

- Iceland Northern Lights City Break includes flights, three nights accommodation + Northern Lights tour from £269.

The Northern Lights are at their peak activity levels through the end of March in Iceland and to provide UK travellers with an affordable way to see this natural wonder, Icelandair is pleased to offer the Northern Lights City Break. This holiday package includes flights from London Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow, three nights accommodation and Northern Lights tour from £269*.

The Northern Lights tour takes place the evening following the day of arrival and is operated by Reykjavik Excursions. Passengers are picked up at their hotel and driven to an area outside of Reykjavik to search for the natural phenomenon. Every tour is different since the leader takes the group to the area where they are most likely to see the lights that day based on weather. The tour generally lasts three hours and makes for an exciting evening out exploring the rugged Icelandic wilderness.

In addition to the tour, the Northern Lights City Break provides free days to enjoy exploring Reykjavik, relaxing at the Blue Lagoon or enjoying one of Iceland’s many winter activities. Plus, due to the exchange rate, Iceland has not been as cheap as it currently is in decades, so now is the time to travel to this winter wonderland. In fact, Lonely Planet recently named Iceland one of its Top 10 Value Destinations for 2010.

The offer is good through 31st March 2010 travel. It must be booked online at www.icelandair.co.uk by 31st January. Hotel upgrades are available at an extra cost. Icelandair is one of Iceland’s longest established companies, connecting the world and Iceland for over 70 years.