HEIM: Tourism strategy towards 2030

Heim Tourism strategy towards 2030

Content

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Faroese tourism in a new light

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Heim

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A new chapter

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A big conversation

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Where we go from here

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Roadmap towards 2030

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Stevnumið fram ímóti 2030

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How Faroese nature is slowly going back to its roots

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At home with Harriet Olafsdottir av Gørðum: Where the past and present meet

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Veltan: The movement to revive traditional Faroese kitchen garden culture

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How Magni Blástein built a new type of business out of Faroese traditions

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Meet Rannvá Poulsen, one of the faces of Faroese tourism

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Where art gets set in stone: Steinprent

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Destination: Bøur

Publisher Visit Faroe Islands, í Gongini 9 P.O. Box 118, FO-110 Tórshavn Tel. +298 666 555 www.visitfaroeislands.com info@visitfaroeislands.com

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Marketing

Layout Sansir

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The Faroe Islands are Un

Printing CS Grafisk A/S

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Tourism facts

Photos Visit Faroe Islands, Thomas Høyrup Christensen – Frame & Work, Annie Spratt, Ingrid Hofstra, Klara Johannesen, Beinta á Torkilsheyggi, Thrainn Kolbeinsson, Alessio Mesiano, Mads Tolstrup, Chris Riefenberg, Daryl Scott Walker, Guilie Giordi

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A responsible tourism industry

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Tourism Landscape

© Visit Faroe Islands

Faroese tourism in a new light Faroese tourism has undergone a positive change in

As a nation, we cherish our proud traditions which

recent years. Having been largely unknown and un-

have tied us together over generations and which

documented in terms of a global tourist destination

have made us the citizens of the world we are today.

– indeed, even hard to find on a map – the Faroe Islands have developed into a unique and inspiring

The Faroe Islands are home for us.

destination boasting world-class experiences, accommodation and cuisine – amid our distinctive

In this strategy document, we are setting out the di-

and beautiful natural environment.

rection of travel and our goals for Faroese tourism over the coming years. It’s the result of thousands of

Today, international media report on culture and

conversations, hundreds of meetings and masses of

traditions, as well as our creative entrepreneurs, de-

inspiration from our international colleagues.

signers and musicians – and, of course, our way of life in the North Atlantic. International business

Yet, at the same time, we’re shining new light on a

people, brands and even film companies make their

number of people, who, in their own ways, are work-

way here for meetings or simply to appreciate for

ing closely with us to take our tourist industry for-

themselves our amazing natural surroundings.

ward. Creative individuals from across the Faroe Islands who have invited us to share in their personal

We have reached this point through close collabora-

stories. In this way, we can highlight the diversity of

tion between the Faroese government, a robust and

Faroese tourism whilst inspiring ourselves and oth-

adventurous business community and the hard

ers through the opportunities we can create togeth-

work and creative ideas of a wide range of talented

er for the common good of our country.

and enthusiastic individuals from right across the country.

Happy reading!

We have, quite literally, opened our homes to the

On behalf of Visit Faroe Islands

rest of the world.

Johannes Jensen,

Guðrið Højgaard,

However, as we strive for development, it pays to

Chairman of the

CEO

never forget who and where we are, or, indeed, never

Board

to turn the Faroe Islands into somewhere quickly consumed and immediately forgotten.

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Heim Faroese for home (noun) /h m/ : one’s place of residence a place to call home. : a familiar or usual setting: congenial environment home is where the heart is. : a place of origin or habitat the islands are home to many species of birds.

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A new chapter For many years, our remoteness has been our main

Tourism has provided a large number of new cultural

attraction for visitors, and tourism has been growing

experiences. It has also increased the number of

at a steady rate and now forms a significant part of

restaurants across the islands, many of which use

the Faroese economy.

locally-sourced ingredients on their menus. Tourism has allowed us to view with new eyes things we had

However, during that same time some Faroese such

taken for granted such as our natural resources and

as, environmental advocates, landowners, and

has boosted our self-belief in what we can achieve.

ordinary Faroese people are now of the opinion that tourism is too big and over the past years tourism has

However, we believe the real dilemma is not whether

become something you were either for or against.

we are for or against tourism, but a far more complex question: what kind of tourism do we want and how

With the growth of tourism came a sense that with an

should it contribute to Faroese society?

unregulated tourism sector, we might slowly be losing some of the self-determination, natural

Therefore, in the autumn of 2022, we started a

splendour and distinctive identity that are among

nationwide conversation on where tourism in the

the defining traits of our home.

Faroe Islands is headed, and where it ought to go.

At Visit Faroe Islands, we recognize not only this risk, which should always be weighed against the clear benefits of tourism, which has boosted our infrastructure, added new cultural experiences, and created jobs and business opportunities throughout the country.

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A big conversation Throughout the autumn of 2022 and spring 2023, we

1.

Legislation and political solutions to existing challenges in Faroese tourism

launched a series of initiatives to assess views from various sectors and individuals affected by tourism

2.

Spreading visitors more evenly across the year

for Visit Faroe Islands’ new strategy from the bot-

3.

MICE, niche and business tourism and the opportunities it brings

tom-up.

4.

Balanced and sustainable tourism

Among other things, we launched an open, digital

5.

Marketing and branding

mailbox welcoming input on tourism development

6.

Strengthening local development

from the public, as well as focus groups with more

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Knowledge, research and data

than 100 representatives from the tourism industry

8.

Infrastructure and mobility

as well as other industries and sectors. We also asked visitors in the Faroe Islands for their experiences and

These 8 core themes will form the basis of the initia-

held talks with political decisionmakers.

tives, which will be prioritised over the coming years.

However, some of these fall, either partly or fully,

The feedback we received from meetings, conversa-

outside the remit of Visit Faroe Islands, in particular

tions, workshops, and emails to the digital mailbox

legislation, political decision making and infrastruc-

centered on 8 thematical points:

ture and are, as such, not included in this tourism strategy. All themes bear great importance, and we will therefore continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure action is taken on them.

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Where we go from here The Faroe Islands is more than a destination – it is home.

This short sentence is the key point from the exten-

This idea also builds on Join The Preservolution, the

sive conversation on tourism we launched last year

sustainable development strategy which we launched

and is the focus of our new strategy.

in 2019. The key difference is we now no longer have a

Our ambition By 2030, tourism will be making the Faroe Islands, our home, a better place socially, economically, and environmentally.

sustainability strategy that is separate from the rest of An adaptation of a famous quote by poet and environ-

what we do - sustainability is the strategy, based on

mental activist Gary Snyder, it reflects an almost

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

self-evident, yet sometimes forgotten truth: the Faroe Islands are home to people living and working here, as

It is difficult to predict the tourism of the future.

well as to plants and wildlife which have made it their

Therefore, most of the specific initiatives in this strat-

habitat - many are species not found anywhere else.

egy cover the next 2-3 years. We will update the tour-

This place is worth cherishing and protecting.

ism strategy in 2026, when we will set new tourism goals moving towards 2030.

be a means to make our home better, not an end in it-

Our purpose

self, where we need to change or compromise our

To ensure that tourism is used to build, share and preserve our home

This simple rationale underpins the way we think about and work with tourism: tourism should always

home to achieve more tourism.

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in conjunction with local people, guests, businesses and organizations.

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Roadmap towards 2030

Build

Share

Preserve

Tourism is a means of building a

Tourism is a means of sharing our

Tourism is a means of preserving

better home, with more and better

home with each other, with our

and developing our home and our

business opportunities closely linked

guests and with the world while

natural and cultural heritage,

to Faroese culture and which afford a

still respecting and strengthening our

which are the very things that make

positive contribution to life in the

DNA.

the Faroe Islands such an attractive

Faroe Islands across social, economic

place to visit and live in.

and environmental platforms.

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To build a better home, Visit Faroe Islands will: STARTING NOW: ROADMAP TOWARDS 2030

Building our home

Initiate and launch a coordinated agrotourism project, which provides new business opportunities and guest experiences in the common ground between tourism, food and agriculture.

Initiate and launch a project among tourism businesses, focusing on events, during the winter and shoulder-seasons. , enhancing the islands’ rich cultural life, music, dining, gastronomy, art, shopping, etc. The goal is to create a professional all-year tourism sector.

Working together with local municipalities and tourist information offices, evaluate the organisational structure of the tourism sector, to improve coordination and cooperation on development initiatives across the country.

BY 2024:

We want to use “heima” as an overarching idea to further

Initiate and launch a project to focus on product development, with special emphasis on quality souvenirs

develop activities, projects, and meaningful interactions

which build on our culture, tradition and history.

across each of our strategic initiatives.

Launch ‘Vælkomin heim’, a network of business professionals aimed at upgrading the level of service and hospitality, as well as encouraging more responsible behaviour from our guests.

Start a project focusing on further use of local produce and food waste at restaurants and cafés across the islands.

Initiate and launch a MICE development and marketing project with the aim of making the Faroe Islands a destination for meeting design which is considered a market leader and creative hub for innovative meeting-design with special emphasis on nature and culture in order to enhance real connections between local people and delegates.

BY 2025 Further develop products with ties to “heima” as an overarching idea, such as home-concerts, heimablídni, knitting and traditional storytelling.

Launch a pilot project focused on marine tourism and expanding business opportunities within this field (fishing, diving, rowing, kayaking, etc.).

BY 2026 Launch a national tourism certification system based on the “Home” concept, and which acknowledges local Faroese quality products and businesses in order to support tourists in making sustainable choices.

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To share our home, Visit Faroe Islands will: STARTING NOW: ROADMAP TOWARDS 2030

Sharing our home We will continuously develop image marketing of the Faroe Islands towards both leisure and MICE segments, in close collaboration with the tourism industry to enhance our brand position as an attractive destination for nature and culture seekers as well as a source of professional knowledge in the tourism sector.

Continue to attract international press and photographers who are interested in telling the stories of the Faroese people, our culture and daily lives with the aim of targeting international travelers, who share these interests.

Initiate a marketing campaign in our neighboring countries targeting off-season travelers.

Develop and launch a new MICE campaign concept aimed at further supporting business tourism all year round which will focus on blended travel outside of the peak seasons, with special emphasis on sports and cultural events.

Launch a new social media campaign with local people sharing their everyday lives, featuring real life experiences of Faroese society.

Relaunch the “Un-brand” to be closer aligned with the views of the local population focusing on people, culture, remoteness, authenticity and nature.

Implement and develop a new “What’s on” Digital platform for better and more effective information about cultural events and activities across the Faroe Islands, for visitors and local people alike.

Implement and develop the Tourism Satellite Account, as a robust data collection platform, to gather and share knowledge and data about tourism in the Faroe Islands.

BY 2024 Strengthen and further develop our Ambassador Network to highlight how conferences and other events give back to Faroese community in economic terms as well as through knowledge, innovation, and networks.

Launch a campaign with Tórshavn, focusing on the cosmopolitan capital city to enhance cultural life, music, dining, gastronomy, art, shopping, etc.

Launch a yearly Tourism Event for the industry and related interests, focusing on collaboration, networking, new knowledge, international trends and sustainable tourism development.

Prioritise attracting conferences on biodiversity, environmental and climate issues, as well as major events which will contribute in a positive manner to Faroese culture based on a clear legacy policy.

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To preserve our home, Visit Faroe Islands will: STARTING NOW: ROADMAP TOWARDS 2030

Preserving our home We acknowledge that we must do everything we can to

Prioritise venues, hotels and other partners with green certifications. These suppliers and services will also be highlighted on our website.

Continue to develop and qualify the flagship initiative ’Closed for Maintenance’ with local municipalities, tourism information offices, companies, private partners and NGO’s.

Allow Faroese people to have a clear say in tourism development by providing a platform for their voices to be heard on a continuous basis through a digital mailbox which will welcome input on tourism development.

BY 2024 Expand the master plan for route finding which enables more responsible behaviour among guests in nature, in collaboration with local municipalities, landowners and other relevant authorities.

preserve our most important tourism resource: nature. Our

Facilitate pre-analysis of nature preservation (in cooperation with relevant authorities) and organise confer-

nature is one of the main reasons international guests visit our

Islands.

country. We must also protect our culture and traditions which make us a special nation in the North Atlantic region.

ences and symposiums on these subjects with the aim of establishing one or more national parks on the Faroe

Further strengthen and develop Faroese hiking infrastructure through pilot projects in selected and popular tourist areas.

BY 2025 Establish a pilot project with Strandfaraskip Landsins and other relevant parties to encourage more guests to use public transport when visiting the Faroe Islands.

BY 2026 Co-develop a methodology to more accurately measure the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism on Faroese society and nature, in collaboration with the University of the Faroe Islands and external experts.

Capacity analysis of the most exposed natural areas, with recommendations for possible limitations, signage and optimized tourism flows.

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Marks of Success Tourism turnover (DKK)

1,5 bil.

Tourism in the Faroe Islands is still relatively small. Economically sustainable tourism demands a larger turnover especially outside of the high season. By 2030 the tourism industry in the Faroe Islands has shown balanced

Passenger at the airport during low season

Tourism providers have a sustainability policy

50%

100%

A prerequisite for a steady and improved

- Tourism shall spearhead the green shift. Tourism

tourism service is that the number of travellers

providers are encouraged to write sustainability

is more equally spread across the year. Currently

policy and guidelines immediately. Our entire

over 60% of all travellers visit during the

Faroese tourism community is united under one

summer months from May to September and

sustainability promise by 2030. By 2030 the Faroe

less than 40% visit the Faroe Islands between

Islands shall be on the Nordic average listed on the

October and April.

GDS index.

Local jobs created by tourism

Local business ownership

1000+

80%

Local people experience the positive impact of tourism on Faroese society

-Tourism will continue to develop new kinds of

By 2030 tourism in the Faroe Islands will contin-

economic growth.

jobs and opportunities for women, young

ue to be driven, developed and serviced by

people, entrepreneurs amongst others whilst at

Faroese businesses. Local ownership is an

the same time showcasing the tourism industry

essential factor to ensure a sustainable tourism

as a great place to work and build a career.

sector.

80% It is imperative that local people support tourism and feel it is a positive factor in the development of Faroese society. We will continuously involve, inform and inspire local people to become part of the tourism sector. We will measure their ongoing support of the industry.

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Bjørn Patursson

How Faroese nature is slowly going back to its roots 2023 looks set to go down as a seminal year for Faroese nature and nature preservation. This spring, a new nature conservation law was passed in the Faroese parliament, enabling authorities to take a more proactive stance on nature protection. The Koltur project, which aims to convert an entire island into a nature reserve and open-air museum, could be a sign of things to come.

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The Faroe Islands are home to stunning natural

tos to older ones, which show a significant reduction

splendour. In fact, it’s most probably our prime tour-

in the size of several of these types of landscape,”

ist attraction.

says Magnus Gaard, a trained biologist who is currently the principal at Miðnám í Vestmanna, a high

Yet this is the inconvenient truth: we simply don’t

school specializing in natural resources.

have enough knowledge of the damage that’s potentially already been inflicted on Faroese nature and

GAPS OF KNOWLEDGE

what the long-term implications might be for both tourism and life in general. Indeed, what little knowl-

Magnus Gaard has a longstanding relationship with

edge currently exists on the state of Faroese nature is

Faroese nature as a researcher, teacher and advo-

already outdated or inconclusive.

cate.

“Truth is, we simply don’t know enough, which in it-

Back in the 00’s, he was involved in the attempt to

self should be cause for concern. There are, though,

establish the first environmental agency in the Faroe

strong signs that certain types of unique landscapes

Islands. While the project was never fully realised, it

have reduced significantly in size over the last centu-

did produce valuable new knowledge of nature in the

ry – in particular, our heather moorland and wet-

Faroes. For instance, Magnus was part of the team

lands. We found this by comparing recent aerial pho-

that created the first, and so far only, “red list” of endangered species in the islands, as well as a list of areas where conservation efforts were recommended.

Neither list has been officially updated since.

“That means anyone interested in or working with nature conservation or biodiversity in the Faroes must base their work on outdated information as their only official source of reference,” Magnus Gaard says. “The current situation is almost certainly different to what we recorded all those years ago.”

He also points out that the long-term effects of sheep grazing on certain habitats and ecosystems are largely unknown.

Beautiful to behold, yes, but Faroese nature is also delicately balanced, and any damage could have far-reaching implications. The aforementioned wetlands are one example of this. They are known for their unique long-term capability to store carbon in the soil. Healthy wetlands could, therefore, play a

Magnus Gaard, biologist

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Truth is, we simply don’t know enough, which in itself should be cause for concern. There are, though, strong signs that certain types of unique landscapes have reduced significantly in size over the last century.

MAGNUS GAARD

key role in reducing or mitigating the effects of cli-

Whether or not this will improve matters remains to

mate change.

be seen, Gaard concedes. However, we have already seen the first major example of proactive nature pro-

And with the Faroe Islands taking up a total area of

tection though the deciding factor will be the budget

less than 1,400 square kilometers, even slight chang-

allocated by the government.

es or reductions in certain habitats could have a considerable impact.

THE FIRST NATURE RESERVE IN THE FAROES

A POSSIBLE PARADIGM SHIFT? The remote and virtually uninhabited island of KolRelatively little attention has been paid so far to

tur could be a sign of things to come and is by far the

shrinking habitats or our lack of knowledge of en-

most ambitious nature preservation project to date

dangered species. However, 2023 might signal a par-

in the Faroe Islands. In 2018, Tjóðsavnið, the Nation-

adigm shift, which could see more serious steps tak-

al Museum of the Faroe Islands, launched an ambi-

en to protect Faroese nature. In the spring of 2023, an

tious project on this small island of barely 2.5 square

updated version of the law was passed by the Faroese

kilometers, converting it into the first nature reserve

parliament, enabling authorities to better preserve

in the Faroe Islands and open-air museum complete

nature.

with visitor centre.

“The old Faroese nature preservation law provided

In many ways, Koltur was an obvious candidate for

for protection of certain areas; however, it has only

an endeavour like this. It’s the second smallest of the

been used on three specific occasions during the

18 islands that comprise the Faroe Islands – it’s iso-

past 53 years. All 3 instances were in response to a

lated, and relatively protected from invasive species

specific project which infringed on nature, such as

and virtually uninhabited (see below).

construction, and were not based on environmental values. The new legislation enables authorities to al-

In reality, it’s an almost perfect microcosm of the

low protection much more proactively, based on fac-

dramatic, windswept nature of the Faroes: at one end

tors such as biodiversity, aesthetics, or other unique

of the island, Uppi á oyggj, a 477-meter tall moun-

characteristics deemed worthy of preservation,”

tain, rears skywards before plummeting into the sea,

Magnus Gaard explains.

whilst gradually descending, on the other side, to-

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wards the lower part of the island and Fjallið, a con-

“Koltur will have a massive impact. Both local people

siderably smaller peak on the opposite end of Koltur.

and visitors alike think the Faroe Islands have always

On days with rough weather (which aren’t exactly

looked the way they do now, which is most likely not

rare in the North Atlantic), Koltur and its larger com-

the case, as most of the islands today are cultivated

panion island, Hestur, are under constant barrage

landscapes. It could also pave the way for other, sim-

from the wind, rain, and waves.

ilar conservation projects and could create new business models along the way with visitor centres, guid-

Since 2019, several hundred species of plants, birds,

ed tours, and more, while still facilitating more

and invertebrates have been recorded by the Nation-

responsible behaviour in our nature,” he says.

al Museum on Koltur and is a great example of biodiversity in the Faroe Islands It’s also a poignant reminder of the knowledge gap regarding nature and

KOLTUR: THE STRANGE STORY OF A MAN, A WOMAN, AND AN ISLAND

wildlife.

The earliest history of Koltur dates back to the early “The knowledge we are gathering on Koltur has the

Viking Age. Archeological excavations discovered

potential to become the foundation of all knowledge

that barley was cultivated here as far back as 800-

of Faroese ecosystems,” explains Leivur Janus

900 AD, and the island has been populated since

Hansen. He is a biologist and head of the Koltur pro-

then. The old stone houses on Koltur are believed to

ject at Tjóðsavnið.

be modified versions of houses built by the first settlers, and their preservation is also an integral part of

Leivur and his colleagues are conducting an “inven-

Tjóðsavnið’s project.

tory of natural life” on Koltur, mapping and monitoring wildlife and plants on the island. This is part of

However, the island’s more recent history revolves

the first phase of the project, which has been running

around a particular man and woman and, coinciden-

from 2021 to 2023. Eventually, a fully-fledged re-

tally, tourism. For nearly 30 years, Bjørn and Lükka

search station and visitor center will open and Koltur

Patursson have been the only permanent residents

will be partly open to the public, though large areas

on Koltur. They live in a small farmhouse a few hun-

will be closed off for scientific purposes.

dred yards north of the original Viking-age houses.

“The Koltur project is incredibly promising, both in

If the Faroese have a reputation for being somewhat

terms of research and teaching and also in the long

quirky, isolated islanders, Bjørn and his wife certain-

term, the island will be included in the national cur-

ly take it to the next level.

riculum in schools, and we will gain an understanding of what Faroese nature used to look like before

“I remember reading in the newspaper back around

humans settled here. We will go from theory to some-

1990 that the last residents had left Koltur, leaving

thing tangible and visible,” Leivur Janus Hansen says.

the island uninhabited. It became part of a larger public discussion about cultural heritage in the Far-

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And according to Magnus Gaard, the implications of

oes since there were several buildings worthy of

the Koltur project cannot be understated:

preservation here. I wanted to show that it was possi-

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The knowledge we are gathering on Koltur has the potential to become the foundation of all knowledge of Faroese ecosystems.

LEIVUR JANUS HANSEN

ble to live like this,” Bjørn Patursson says, recalling

tection at its core. They believe this could be a great

the initial reason that led him and his wife to move to

asset to tourism on the island. This vision gradually

Koltur in 1994.

became the project undertaken by Tjóðsavnið from January 1st 2015, after nearly a decade of negotia-

He had an early interest in agrotourism and saw po-

tions, fundraising and discussion about the future of

tential in Koltur, writing an open letter to the govern-

Koltur.

ment and offering to become the island’s caretaker.

In the autumn of 1993, he signed a lease for the land,

Except for a few breaks where they lived off the is-

and he and Lükka moved to Koltur on January 1,

land around 2010 and 2015, Bjørn and Lükka have

1994, agreeing, initially, to take the lease for one year

been fixtures on Koltur throughout the entire pro-

at a time. The rest is history.

ject. When the island caretaker position was announced in 2014, Bjørn Patursson applied to become

“We were among the first people to venture into so-

the official caretaker and continue with his role on

called agrotourism, where we had foreign visitors

the island under the new Koltur project and remains

join us for fishing on the shore, puffin hunting, and

on the island to this day.

helping out on the farm,” he recounts. “As a business model, it was quite groundbreaking at the time, and

“We realised early on the value of Koltur both in

for me, there was something positive in showing a

terms of natural and cultural heritage, and so we

German or Englishman our traditional way of life,

wanted to become part of the project. We are here for

even though it was viewed with great scepticism by

this transition period when our knowledge about the

many local people back then.”

island is still needed. After that, when the island is fully transformed in its new form, it will be time for

Aside from tending to the farm and receiving visi-

us to open a new chapter.”

tors, Bjørn Patursson and his wife also noted the poor state of repair of the original buildings. So, they

The first phase of the Koltur project has been already

joined forces with Danish architects, Palle Dyreborg

funded by Danish Aage V. Jensens Fonde, while the fi-

and Poul Jensen, working towards continuous resto-

nal phases and subsequent operation of the island will

ration and reconstruction of Koltur with nature pro-

require another round of fundraising.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: There’s little doubt that nature is the Faroe Islands’ main attraction. But it’s much more than that: ours is a delicate ecosystem that is home to both animals, plants, and people, and something worth respecting and preserving, whether you live here or are just visiting.

Projects such as Koltur lead the way towards a future based on first-hand knowledge of the state of Faroese nature, a framework for active preservation and protection and where we can enjoy and share our natural treasures with a better conscience.

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At home with Harriet Olafsdottir av Gørðum: Where the past and present meet At their combined farm and guesthouse, Harriet Olafsdottir av Gørðum and her husband John av Gørðum offer visitors a unique and rare glimpse into local culture and exemplify the inimitable Faroese hospitality. And they’ve become very good at it from a business perspective – not least through their combination of tradition and innovation.

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Harriet Olafsdottir av Gørðum sees herself as both entrepreneur, full-time farmer and small business owner. The past and present meet at Hanusarstova, a combined farm and bed & breakfast that she co-owns and runs with her husband, John. It’s located right on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in Æðuvík, north of Tórshavn.

Here, they host in-home dinners, run a very popular guesthouse, and offer farm tours. Guests staying overnight are even encouraged to take part in the daily activities on the farm. ”I believe we’ve found the present in the past. We have both rediscovered old farming techniques and methods and we’ve modernized the idea of what farming can be today in other respects,” she says.

The house was originally built in 1898 and was thoroughly modernized in 2014 when the young couple moved in. While they preserved as much of the original buildings as possible, they also built a brand-new extension in a more minimalist Nordic style to serve as the guesthouse.

I believe we’ve found the present in the past.

We have both rediscovered old farming techniques and methods and we’ve modernized the idea of what farming can be today in other respects

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THE SHEEP ACTIVIST The sheep are the most noticeable thing here: not only do they roam freely right outside the window, casually strolling about on the edge of the sea cliffs, but they can also peer into the guesthouse (while you stare back at them) via a specially built ramp.

The sheep have also become famous through photographs taken by Harriet, who turns them into picturesque posters and postcards that are sold across the world, and which adorn an entire wall in the guesthouse.

It’s no coincidence that the sheep take centre stage: Harriet is an outspoken animal rights’ actitvist who insists on rethinking Faroese farming traditions.

The posters and idyllic motifs have prompted the occasional accusation of overly romanticizing sheep farming. However, she does not shy away from speaking out about some of the issues surrounding animal welfare and traditional sheep farming methods, where large flocks of sheep are sometimes left to fend for themselves over extended periods of time.

“Traditional sheep farming is mostly a pastime or hobby for most Faroese

Traditional sheep farming is mostly a pastime or hobby for most Faroese people; they do it for the skerpikjøt (a Faroese lamb delicacy) and because it’s tradition.

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people; they do it for the skerpikjøt (a Faroese lamb delicacy) and because it’s tradition. I’ve always dreamt about becoming a full-time sheep farmer, and now I’ve accomplished that, in large part by modernising, adapting, and treating the animals better,” she says.

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THE BUSINESSWOMAN Romanticism aside, there can be little doubt that Harriet is a businesswoman. One single bottle-fed lamb, Elias, has netted as much as 150,000 Danish kroner in revenue in the past three years. This is partly due to poster and postcard sales and because of Harriet’s unique “foster sheep” program.

Under the program, it’s possible for non-Faroese people to “adopt” one of her sheep and pay part of their upkeep. The sheep in question will still live at Hanusarstova, and the new owners receive regular photos and videos highlighting the sheep’s daily life and wellbeing.

“In order for me to have a financially viable sheep farm, the first few years are critical: during this time, the lambs are a financial burden in terms of feeding and taking care of them. Making that time profitable would not be possible without rethinking how we treat and live with the animals,” she explains.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We are always impressed when passionate people rethink Faroese traditions and find new ways to share them with visitors. Harriet and Hanusarstova are a great example of how tourism can enable new forms of businesses to grow and thrive while staying rooted in our way of life.

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Veltan: The movement to revive traditional Faroese kitchen garden culture A look at the movement to revive traditional Faroese kitchen garden culture.

Joannes Johannessen

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”There were no waste bins at home when I was a

“The Faroe Islands used to be virtually self-sufficient

child.”

in vegetables. Not because of large-scale industrial agriculture but because everyone had a kitchen gar-

Joannes Johannessen’s recollection is more than

den. Veltan is founded on the same philosophy,” he

just an early childhood memory; it’s a reflection on

says, and points to the rampant consumerism that

the evolution of Faroese food culture over just a few

swept across most of the western world est in the

generations. He is a second-generation potato grow-

1960s as a turning point.

er based on the island of Sandoy and a member of Veltan, the association of Faroese farmers and en-

Here in the Faroes, there was very little industri-

thusiasts who want to revive the Faroese tradition of

al-scale agriculture to begin with. When the kitchen

growing one’s own vegetables.

gardens disappeared, most vegetables had to be imported and many still are. However, the lack of industrial farms didn’t stop the Faroese from producing a serious amount of vegetables back in the day: during World War I, the Faroe Islands were a net exporter of potatoes and helped stave off a potential food shortage in Iceland when supply lines were disrupted during wartime.

Johannessen’s native island has good conditions for growing vegetables, at least by Faroese standards.

Sandoy is named after its sandy soil, which is ideal for growing potatoes but can also support greens such as kohlrabi, carrots, onions, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, and spring onions. Here, members of Veltan have experimented with leeward fences, air-drying and other techniques to give their vegetables the best possible start in the rough Faroese conditions.

They also built a 300-square-meter greenhouse tunnel to provide shelter from the elements.

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“We could become self-sufficient again, even with mainly small-scale growers. In fact, we might be better off that way, as large farms are more challenging due to the climate. It’s a bit of a paradox but you may end up having to import several things to produce something else at a large-enough scale,” Joannes Johannessen explains.”

Even if there’s still a way to go before becoming self-sufficient, the efforts of Veltan and other growers can already be felt in Faroese gastronomy. If you ask Karin Visth, sommelier, and manager of the upmarket Tórshavn restaurants KOKS, ROKS, and Ræst, the last ten years have represented a seismic shift in vegetable farming in the Faroe Islands: “Ten years ago, we had almost no access to home-

The Faroe Islands used to be virtually self-sufficient in vegetables. Not because of large-scale industrial agriculture but because everyone had a kitchen garden. Veltan is founded on the same philosophy.

JÓANNES JOHANNESSEN

grown vegetables, so they were either left off menus or imported from elsewhere. Now, there’s much more diversity and transparency in our restaurant dishes because of the large development in local production of vegetables,” she says.

According to Karin Visth, who grew up in rural Switzerland, restaurants must work closely with local farmers and growers and order most produce up to a

of exciting things happening with vegetables, and it

year in advance, due to relatively low yields and a

makes me proud to be part of this development”

limited season.

Karin Visth says.

“We all know that we must contend with the harsh

Joannes Johannessen and Veltan already sell to sev-

climate, which makes it difficult to grow things all

eral high-profile restaurants which is a great adver-

year round. It would be a great leap forward to extend

tisement for Faroese food culture for international

the season however this would require establishing

visitors. They also have a mix of private customers,

more greenhouses. I moved here because of the

mostly older and more traditionally inclined people,

potential I saw in the local cuisine and produce,

as well as younger people who want to eat local-

particularly with fish and shellfish. Now, there’s a lot

ly-grown food.

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However, a large national breakthrough is still in the making.

“Right now, our focus is on making Veltan a national movement beyond just Sandoy and a few other places. In addition to looking for new growers, we are branching out to include small-time fishermen and needleworkers as well, so we’ll have a wider focus on Faroese products beyond vegetables.”

Ten years ago, we had almost no access to homegrown vegetables, so they were either left off menus or imported from elsewhere.

Now, there’s much more diversity and transparency in our restaurant dishes.

KARIN VISTH

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EDITOR’S NOTE: WHY THIS STORY MATTERS At Visit Faroe Islands, we are always looking for new

Therefore, as part of our new strategy, we are initiat-

ways that tourism can help create new job opportu-

ing a coordinated agro-tourism project that will pro-

nities and strengthen Faroese traditions and show

vide new business opportunities and guest experi-

how grassroots movements like Veltan can become

ences at the crossroads between tourism, food, and

part of our brand and story.

farming. We can see that those new restaurants established, are looking for locally-sourced food. This

Homegrown vegetables are an integral part of Faro-

is what our guests want, too; there’s scope here for

ese gastronomy and food culture. It is also about

more creative stories about our food culture. Re-

farming responsibly, moving fewer goods over short-

sponsible tourism can increase the demand for local-

er distances is always a great ambition for an island

ly-sourced food, the basis of sustainable farming,

nation.

benefitting local people and international guests alike.

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How Magni Blástein built a new type of business out of Faroese traditions Fishing, and small boat fishing in particular, are both tradition and trade in the Faroe Islands and many Faroese keep the practice alive to this day. In fact, there’s even a saying that if you’re not sheep herding in your spare time, you’re most likely fishing instead.

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Magni Blástein, a second-generation fisherman from

It was this experience that prompted him to found

Vestmanna, decided to invite visitors onboard his

Fishing with Blástein, a charter-based fishing busi-

small boat for fishing trips.

ness where groups can book fishing trips and experience Faroese waters from his 12-person boat with

Vestmanna is one of the best natural harbours in the

Magni as captain. Here, it’s as much about the expe-

Faroe Islands, providing access to fishing grounds

rience and sharing it with others as it is about the

both to the north and south.

catch, although the waters off Vestmanna offer ample opportunities to catch dab, plaice, cod, and had-

“My father was a fisherman his whole life, and I ac-

dock, among others.

tively pursued that career as well. As the years passed, I gained experience from various vessels.

“It’s a very different kind of fishing. In commercial

However, I didn’t really discover rod fishing until

fishing, you look much more at volume and

around 1999, when I was on a trip to Cuba as part of

efficiency. Here, there is a huge emphasis on quality

an NGO project,” he recounts.

time, and it’s as much about the journey as the goal,” Magni Blástein explains.

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It’s a very different kind of fishing. In commercial fishing, you look much more at volume and efficiency. Here, there is a huge emphasis on quality time, and it’s as much about the journey as the goal.

In a way, Fishing with Blástein is Magni Blástein’s

EDITOR’S NOTE: WHY THIS STORY MATTERS

fourth career: originally a fisherman, he is also a

At Visit Faroe Islands, we look at Faroese wa-

trained computer scientist and holds a degree in the

ters and the North Atlantic and see a massive

history of ideas as well as a master’s in history. He

potential for expanding tourism in the Faroes

has an almost encyclopedic knowledge about his

in a responsible way that doesn’t disrupt dai-

hometown of Vestmanna, its history and its develop-

ly life or overcrowd already congested spaces

ment as a town.

on land.

Now, he is fishing again, although with an addedtwist

Magni Blástein is one of the entrepreneurs

of entrepreneurship and tourism.

leading development in this area. However, experiences at sea aren’t limited solely to

In fact, Blástein has single-handedly boosted Vest-

fishing and can also include kayaking, wind-

manna’s tourism: aside from attracting customers to

surfing and other activities.

his core business, Fishing with Blástein draws hundreds of overnight stays to Vestmanna each year.

To further support this goal and create new

Some people stay at his own B&B, but not all of them,

opportunities for Faroese business, our new

meaning he has an impact beyond his own business.

strategy outlines a pilot project focused on marine tourism and expanding business opportunities within this field.

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Meet Rannvá Poulsen, one of the faces of Faroese tourism Rannvá Poulsen is a project manager at 62°N. She is also someone who initially left the Faroe Islands, only to return and become a tourism ambassador, encouraging others to travel here.

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“When I was at school, all I could think about was getting away from the Faroe Islands. Now, it’s different because the Faroe Islands have changed. And a lot of that has to do with tourism creating not just new types of careers but a different kind of life. A lot of the people I know who moved away have come back since then,” Rannva Poulsen says.

In 2008, after graduating from high school, Rannvá Poulsen moved to Germany first as an au pair and later to study German, English, and Russian. She eventually switched to studying Business Economics with a major in Tourism instead and spent her summer holidays working as a travel guide in the Faroe Islands. One semester she also completed an internship with a business and incentive travel company in Barcelona.

“I certainly thought about living abroad permanently but was drawn back home by the mountains and the ocean. When I worked as a tour guide during my studies, many of the amazing reactions from visitors made me look at my home country in a different light and appreciate it all the more, so that may also have contributed to my returning,” she recounts.

MOVING BACK HOME In 2014, Rannvá relocated to the Faroes. Here, she worked her way up in the hospitality industry, first as a waitress and barista at a hotel, before landing a job at a travel agency, immediately focusing on business and incentive travel which was her main interest and would put her on her current trajectory.

When I was at school, all I could think about was getting away from the Faroe Islands. Now, it’s different because the Faroe Islands have changed.

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We shouldn’t talk about tourism for tourism’s sake, but about what it can do for our society.

EDITOR’S NOTE Tourism in the Faroe Islands is often seen and talked about in abstract terms as a phenomenon. But it’s also an industry full of passionate people who dedicate their time and careers to promoting our home, and providing guests with great experiences, contributing directly to Faroese society and our economy.

That sometimes gets overlooked in the debate around tourism, which tends to focus on the tourists and not the Faroese themselves

Today, she works with business and incentive travel at 62°N. It’s a niche travel market still in its formative years in the Faroe Islands with a markedly different type of traveler: According to Rannvá Poulsen, there is a huge untapped potential for new businesses providing guided tours and other forms of experiences aimed at tourists and groups. These types of services are currently in high demand from many of her clients at 62°N but unlike many other destinations, the Faroe Islands don’t have a long list of businesses for her and her colleagues to choose between.

“We shouldn’t talk about tourism for tourism’s sake, but about what it can do for our society. For instance, it has created many more restaurants, cafés, and other cultural experiences, and it has given many Faroese people a new perspective on their own home, travelling much more domestically than before,” she says.

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Where art gets set in stone: Steinprent Steinprent is the Faroese word for stone lithography and is a combined workshop and art gallery in Tórshavn. It’s run by Danish lithographer, Jan Andersson, and Faroese artist, Friða Matras Brekku, and since moving to the Faroe Islands in 1999, it has become a hub for both artists and enthusiasts from home and abroad.

Jan Andersson, owner and lithographer 64

65

Friða Matras Brekku, artist

Owner and lithographer, Jan Anders, prefers not to refer to Steinprent as an institution. However, the word seems fitting when looking at the roster of Scandinavian and European artists who have created works here; among recent visitors is Danish artist, Bjørn Nørgaard.

Steinprent has existed for nearly a quarter of a century now, initially as part of the Faroese National Gallery and now in its current location in a repurposed factory in Tórshavn’s harbour area.

“The Faroese have this sense of safeguarding and advancing culture and art, which you won’t find in many other places – especially not when looking at the relatively modest population here. It’s remarkable how alive art is among ordinary people,” says Jan Andersson, who moved here in 1999.

Around half of our sales are to international guests. So, one can conclude that tourism is of fundamental importance to the Steinprent business.

JAN ANDERSSON

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The Faroese have this sense of safeguarding and advancing culture and art, which you won’t find in many other places.

JAN ANDERSSON

“Around half of our sales are to international guests. So, one can conclude that tourism is of fundamental importance to the Steinprent business” According to Jan Andersson, Steinprent is being continually discovered by local Faroese who may have known of the lithography workshop but weren’t aware that it’s also gallery open to the public.

The artworks created at Steinprent are the result of a close collaboration between Jan Andersson and his team of craftspeople and the artist in question.

It begins with the artist drawing on limestone made specifically for lithography and results in a small number of unique, hand-signed and individually numbered prints.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Steinprent’s success is no doubt due to Jan Andersson and his team’s skills and craftsmanship and their collaborative approach to co-creating works with the artists themselves. It’s also testament to the position art enjoys in the Faroe Islands and tells a wider story of our appreciation of art and culture. Steinprent is the perfect place for visitors to get a closer look at that tradition.

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Destination: Bøur As the Atlantic Airways plane descends through the clouds shrouding our islands high above Sørvágsfjørður, you’ll see one of the most fantastic sights in the Faroe Islands: the rugged islets of Tindhólmur, Gáshólmur and Dranganir. Next, tune your ears: 'Góðu ferðafólk, vælkomin heim' – those are most likely the first Faroese words you’ve ever heard: “Welcome home everyone!”. And visiting the tiny village of Bøur, barely a stone’s throw from the airport, is bound to make you feel straight at home.

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"BØUR - THE VILLAGE THAT EXTENDS A WARM 'VÆLKOMIN'.

Inovation is alive and well in Bøur. This place is a fine example of how local people live in tune with nature, tradition, and tourism. Enterprise has really developed here over recent years: farm-to-table dinners for tourists, boat tours, locally-sourced products, agriculture, and accommodation. Each of these initiatives has helped grow the tourism industry in its own unique way, with significant support and collaboration from the village residents.

It is important that local people operate in close collaboration with the environment. This makes the residents more positive. We must also listen to local voices when people are unsatisfied and make adjustments..

JENNY, FJÓSIÐ

It’s been quite fascinating to understand and recognize how tourism can help shape a village like Bøur.

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I could build several more cottages, but for me, it goes somewhat against the grain because then I’d lose contact with my guests, and the place would lose its charm – instead, I prefer to offer better quality and maybe introduce more services, such as local knitted sweaters, for example, which could be produced upon order or guests could harvest potatoes or collect eggs from the hen house.

In discussion with local entrepreneurs, we came to understand the importance of local ownership and support.

One of those we spoke to was, Tróndur Niclasen, who embarked on a journey in 2017 with his family to build four small cottages for holiday stays. These cottages are now incredibly popular and often booked a year in advance.

Tróndur explains: 'When I initially started this project, there were three conditions: firstly. that the cottages were constructed in a Faroese architectural style in keeping with nature; secondly that ownership stays within the family; and thirdly that all residents in the village give it their blessing.'

TRÓNDUR, THE VIEW

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The tourism industry is that bit richer when you have these small unique out-of-the-way places like these where travellers can come and enjoy a meal.

HELGA, PAKKHÚSIÐ Í BØ

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We also spoke to Jenny Guttesen, who recently established the venue, Fjósið, located on the upper floor of an old barn and which is intended for gatherings, meetings and various events; Helga Nordendal, who has been providing diverse services for several years at the old Pakkhúsið, in Bøur; and the man behind “A View 2 Sea”, Eystein í Løðu, who offers unique boat tours for tourists.

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The tourism potential looks good, and there’s reason to be positive... there is undoubtedly enough for all, you just have to be creative.

EYSTEIN, BLUEGATE / A VIEW 2 SEA

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Marketing

Over the past few years marketing has focused on ex-

experiences, the Faroe Islands offer 4-star hotel ac-

tending the season and to promote the Faroe Islands

commodation, Michelin-starred restaurants, art,

as an all-year destination. The aim is to develop a

music and design on an international scale in addi-

tourism industry that is active the whole year round,

tion to sharing people’s private homes to dine and

ensuring job security for those working in the tour-

listen to music.

ism industry. One aspect is to further develop MICE

One of Visit Faroe Islands’ main objectives is to promote the Faroe Islands internationally.

through conferences, meetings, and cultural events,

PR

which often take place outside the main tourist season.

Visit Faroe Islands does not place advertisements in international magazines. Instead, we work with the

MARKETS

international press by arranging press trips to cover the Faroe Islands as a destination as a place for first-

Visit Faroe Islands has for many years promoted the

hand nature experiences but also to emphasise the

Faroe Islands in a small number of selected markets.

array of restaurants, art, design, music and other cul-

We have primarily focused on the markets close to

tural activities.

home where we can assume that there is good knowledge of the Faroe Islands and therefore a ready mar-

Most years, Visit Faroe Islands has had one big inter-

ket of potential visitors. Over the past years, sustain-

national PR event to create awareness about the Far-

ability has also been a factor in prioritising these

oe Islands. Sheep View, Faroe Islands Translate and

markets, so our guests do not have to travel too far to

Remote Tourism are just a few examples of those

reach us. Our prioritised markets are other Nordic

campaigns.

countries, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and North America. Other countries in Europe such

INSTAGRAM

as Italy, the Netherlands and Spain are also of interest.

In addition to working with the international press, Visit Faroe Islands collaborates with instagrammers

TARGET GROUPS

who travel to take photos to post on Visit Faroe Islands’ Instagram account. Here, the focus is also to

In addition to working in specific markets, Visit Far-

attract photographers, who are skilled at telling sto-

oe Islands also focuses promotion on specific target

ries about the people who live here as well as show-

groups. Our aim is to reach people who show special

ing the natural landscape.

interest in visiting the Faroe Islands and in what the country has to offer. It can be anything from hiking

Instagram has proven to be an effective platform for

in breathtaking landscapes, fishing and sailing trips,

sharing images of the Faroe Islands with the world.

kayaking, diving etc. but also a chance to get to know

Over recent years, the focus has also been on encour-

the Faroese themselves. Heimablídni (home dining)

aging correct behaviour when visiting the islands,

and HOYMA (concerts in private homes) are perfect

such as when walking on trails by not venturing too

opportunities for our guests to meet Faroese people

far out on cliff edges etc.

and get to know them. In addition to amazing nature 80

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The Faroe Islands are Un

When Visit Faroe Islands unveiled a new brand in

The brand has been updated in line with a new strat-

2013, the so-called “Un-brand”, it was based on feed-

egy. Changes to colours and fonts refreshed the

back from more than 5,000 travelers who had been to

brand for 2023 and the updated version is expected

the Faroe Islands and were asked to describe the

to be in use for several years to come.

country. It soon became clear that the best way for them to describe the islands was to place the prefix

Surveys show that our guests agree with the brand

‘un’ in front of their descriptions. The result: “Un-

and that the Faroe Islands can be promoted as ‘Un-

spoiled, Unexplored, Unbelievable” – simply an “un”

spoiled, unexplored and unbelievable’. The objective

in front of each keyword to emphasise that the Faroe

is that they will continue to do so in the future.

Islands are something out of the ordinary, somewhere you have not experienced before. In this way,

The brand is also a promise to future generations

the Faroe Islands are separated from other countries.

that further development of the Faroe Islands will

The Faroe Islands are unique in their own right and

ensure that they remain Unspoiled, Unexplored and

quite different from other countries.

Unbelievable.

The purpose of the brand is to unite Faroese tourism using one common message so that the Faroe Islands benefit from a stronger and more visible presence.

Nature

Please leave our home

Unchanged Ready for the next visitor

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Unharmed

Please return our home like you found it

83

Export value

Export share

900

6%

mDKK in 2022

in 2022

ranging in size from sole businesses to companies employing

Brutto value increase

Annual full-time jobs

several hundred people. In addition, thousands of local Faroese

347

646

mDKK in 2022

in 2022

Tourism Facts Faroese tourism has hundereds of suppliers all around the country

people receive partial income from tourism through short-term holiday rentals, guided tours, heimablídni etc.

Turnover

Áland

1.886.019

Gotland

1.355.539

84

Bornholm

960.000

Faroe Islands Orkney Islands

800.000

1M

110.000

mDKK in 2022

2M

400.000

900

Number of tourists in 2022

Iceland

85

A responsible tourism industry We acknowledge that tourism has an impact on society, people and nature. Key issues can only be addressed through collaboration.

At Visit Faroe Islands, we therefore recognise it is important to aim for transparency in our sector. We aim to encourage sustainable development and growth in order to protect our natural resources for future genera-

People and Diversity

People and Diversity

People and Diversity

Excellence in Education

Gender Equality

Reduce Inequalities

WE WISH TO:

WE WISH TO:

WE WISH TO:

• work towards excellent education and have an industry that offers life-long education • improve the skills of our industry workers, both young and old, so that they have up-to-date and relevant skills and education. We also want everyone to have the opportunity to participate in skills development, so that the difference between men, women, age, people with special needs, ethnic background, etc., is reduced • collaborate with the Tourism Association and educational institutions on awards, internships and other initiatives that can promote interest in excellent education

• actively strive to ensure a balanced representation of genders in all our conferences, meetings and events

• to address and diminish inequalities among nations. We aim to establish a framework that minimizes discrimination to the fullest extent. Our particular focus is on ensuring that minority groups are fully integrated into our industry and society. We also aspire to provide foreign workers within our industry with equal conditions on a par with Faroese workers

tions. We have identified both short-term and long-term goals to this end.

We aim to work in accordance with these nine UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Nature and the Environment

Nature and the Environment

Nature and the Environment

Innovation within Industry and Governance

Innovation within Industry and Governance

Innovation within Industry and Governance

Life on Land

Clean water and cleanliness

Climate action

Sustainable Work and Economic Growth

Sustainable towns and villages

Responsible Consumption and Production

WE WISH TO:

WE WISH TO:

WE WISH TO:

WE WISH TO:

WE WISH TO:

WE WISH TO:

• preserve wetlands and protect biodiversity • halt the degradation of nature and wilderness

• create respect for clean water in the Faroe Islands. We want to promote responsible use of water and work towards ensuring that tourism does not become a burden on water usage • ensure that tourism plays a role in managing water usage and that wastewater is treated and used in circular systems as far as possible.

This includes minimizing the use of water for taps, showers and toilets • provide free refill stations for tourists to fill their own water bottles at designated locations

• support the climate policy set by the Faroe Islands and the international community

• ensure annual economic growth in tourism, with a healthy increase in value and support for entrepreneurship. Through this, tourism will expand its operations in the Faroe Islands and create more interesting jobs • ensure that tourism companies in the Faroe Islands have Faroese ownership • provide equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, ethnic origin, or specific needs, and have a significant proportion of the workforce aged 15-24, so that tourism is seen as attractive to this age group • obtain an environmental certification and require this equally from partners and suppliers within a specific deadline.

• encourage the use of public transport and sustainable traffic by making it easier to use public transportation services around the Faroe Islands.

• that everyone should have access to nature and that towns, villages and nature are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities • that visitors should have access to bicycles and other sustainable transportation, such as access to charging stations for electric cars

• create a sustainable and efficient use of our natural resources • reduce food waste • reduce the use of genetically modified organisms in our production • separate waste according to guidelines, so that as little as possible is burnt and as much as possible is recycled

We aim to do this by participating in the project of the National Museum, supporting and promoting it as an opportunity for tourists to do something for the benefit of society.

We also aim to include wetland areas as part of the Closed For Maintenance initiative

We prioritize the purchase of local products. We also advise guests on experiences beyond the usual popular ones.

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Tourism Landscape

Tourist information offices

Ports Petrol stations

Art Clothing / Fashion Restaurants Gifts

Guests create demand for goods and services from a wide variety of suppliers in the Faroe Islands. Below are some of

Conferences and event venues

the main suppliers. In addition, tourism also leads to increased sales in other industries in the Faroe Islands such as construction, local produce, wholesale as well as a several other service providers.

Design Airport

Cafés

Car rental

Excursions

Souvenirs

Home décor

Taxis

Museums Heimablídni

Tour providers

Buses

Experience providers Ferries 88

Port agents Tour guides Hotels Supermarkets

Holiday homes

Camping

Visit Faroe IslandsBars DMCs Shipping businesses Music

Hostels

Airlines Bed and breakfast Other culture 89

Visit Faroe Islands Gongin 9 100 Tórshavn

Tlf. 666 555 info@visitfaroeislands.com www.visitfaroeislands.com