Tourism Conference of the Capital Region and a „new“ attraction in Hafnarfjörður

Addresses the current issues facing the tourism industry.

The Capital Region's Tourism Conference was held at Salinn in Kópavogur at the end of October, convened by the newly established Marketing Office of the Capital Region. In total, just over 100 people attended the conference, including several representatives from the City of Hafnarfjörður. Guðbjörg Oddný Jónasdóttir, chair of the Hafnarfjörður Culture and Tourism Committee, gave a presentation on the revitalisation of a magnet in the heart of Hafnarfjörður, among other topics; Hellisgerði. The tourism conference will be an annual event hosted by the Marketing Bureau of the Capital Region, where issues of current concern to the tourism industry will be addressed.

Issues related to sustainability, environmental awareness, human rights and innovation in tourism  

At the Capital Region Tourism Conference, issues related to sustainability, environmental awareness, human rights and innovation in the tourism industry were discussed, in addition to a review of the capital region's attractions. Speakers at the conference addressed all of these issues in one way or another, including Sigurður Jökull Ólafsson, Marketing Manager for Faxaflóahafnir,  Eva María Þ. Lange, owner of Pink Iceland; Davíð Örn Ingimarsson, owner of Iceland Cover; Guðbjörg Oddný Jónasdóttir, chair of the Environment and Operations Committee in Hafnarfjörður; Kamma Thordarson, project manager at the Reykjavík Events City; Hjalti Már Einarsson, Business Development Manager at Datera; Inga Hlín Pálsdóttir, Managing Director of the Capital Region Marketing Office; and Regína Ásvaldsdóttir, Mayor of Mosfellsbær and Chair of SSH. Þórdís Lóa Þórhallsdóttir, chair of the board of the Capital Region Marketing Office, opened the tourism conference, where she reviewed, among other things, the background to the office's establishment. Guðlaugur Kristmundsson, managing director of FlyOver, was the chairperson.

Hellisgerði – a „new“ landmark in the heart of Hafnarfjörður

In 1923, the Magni Speakers' Club began systematic cultivation in Hellisgerði in an effort to establish a pleasure and flower garden for the people of Hafnarfjörður. 100 years later, Hellisgerði is a lava-field park adorned with a splendid garden that attracts people from far and wide, not least during Advent when it is transformed into a fairy-tale world of lights and splendour. In recent years, a special effort has been made to decorate the garden in keeping with the seasons and also the many festivals that take place in Hafnarfjörður throughout the year. In Hellisgerði, there is a large stage where music echoes and artists perform. A special emphasis is placed on experiences and entertainment for children and families, but people of all ages enjoy walking through the garden and savouring life and its beauty. A great deal of emphasis has been placed on renovations and improved accessibility in recent months and years, so that everyone who wishes to can experience the garden. In Hellisgerði is one of the densest settlements of elves and fairies in Iceland. There is also a lovely café, Litla Álfabúðin, which is open during Advent and over the summer.

Development and marketing of the entire capital region

The Marketing Agency for the Capital Region was established on 3 April 2023 by the Association of Local Authorities in the Capital Region and the Capital Region's Tourist Board. The role of the Capital Region Marketing Office is to develop and market the capital region as a whole, including under the Visit Reykjavík brand. The focus is on strengthening business activity and increasing foreign exchange earnings. A two-year partnership agreement between the City of Hafnarfjörður and the Marketing Agency of the Capital Region ses. was recently signed..

Website of the Marketing Agency of the Capital Region ses. 

Facebook page of the Marketing Bureau of the Capital Region, Ltd.