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‘We Are Only Scratching the Surface’ |
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Archives -
2007 Archive
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Written by B. Tyril
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Tuesday, 22 May 2007 |
Yes, there are still new frontiers to be discovered in the world — and yes, the Faroes just might qualify as an unspoiled treasure. At least that seems to be the thinking behind a slowly but steadily growing influx of visitors to this rain-ridden, wind-torn archipelago out there in the middle of the ocean. Those visitors sure don’t come here for the sunny beaches; but again, many of them seem to love the place, and return year after year.
Let’s be fair: the weather can be beautiful, especially during the summer, even if it’s volatile and can switch before you know it.
And the isolation isn’t that complete, only one hour’s flight from Scotland, Iceland and Norway, and only two hours from Copenhagen, the main hub for all air traffic to and from the Faroe Islands.
“People want to experience something different, something that makes them feel alive and vibrant,” says Elin Heinesen, managing director of the Faroe Islands Trade & Tourism Council. “This is part of the reason why tourism is our fastest growing industry today.”
Even high profile individuals like former US president Bill Clinton are discovering the charm of the grassy rocks. This spring, Mr Clinton together with Swedish diplomat Hans Blix are booked as keynote speakers at the annual Day of Industry event. Tickets for the mid May event were sold out in less than an hour after the news broke that Clinton had accepted the invitation from the House of Industry and was indeed coming to town — in spite of a spike in the price for admittance. One month earlier the American music artist and actor Kris Kristofferson would give a concert in tiny Tórshavn (under 20,000 inhabitants), selling out in only 20 minutes — in contrast to where he’d be coming from: Copenhagen, Denmark’s one million strong capital; there, it had taken months to sell an equivalent 800 seats.
Ms Heinesen adds: “The Faroes has purity, originality, and something that is both tranquilizing and energizing. I’m quite convinced that in terms of tourism business opportunities, we are only scratching the surface.”
Link to pdf presentation...
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