Inga Hlin is a Champion of Sustainable Travel

Inga Hlin Pálsdóttir is a leading figure in Iceland’s branding, promotion, and tourism, with over a decade of experience, most notably as the Director of Visit Iceland and Creative Industries at Promote Iceland. She has contributed to various boards, participated in international conferences, and served as a marketing and place branding awards judge. Inga received multiple accolades, including a Gold Stevie Award for Female Innovator of the Year in 2017, and she was included in Skift’s 50 lists in 2014. Under her leadership, Inspired by Iceland and Promote Iceland have earned numerous awards, solidifying their positions as successful marketing campaigns and organizations. Inga’s areas of expertise include branding, place branding, place marketing, tourism, international marketing, and national branding.

Inga Hlín now works as a speaker and consultant in her field of expertise, the travel industry. But she also loves to travel around Iceland and has traveled all around Iceland.

Hey Inga Hlin. Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What are you up to these days?

Thank you for asking me to take part. It is always nice to share some thoughts and ideas on tourism and travelling in Iceland. These days I am working on various projects through my Inga Hlin Consulting and two of the larger projects I am working on are for Austurland /East of Iceland region in regards to tourism and investments as well as I have been working on lot of fun projects for Elding which is a whale watching company that is both in Reykjavik and Akureyri – North of Iceland. I am also always doing some presentations on various topics especially around tourism. One of the topics I recently talked about was on tourism and cultural heritage protection and relating that to destination management and sustainability – but both are very important topics in the industry.

You watch the Icelandic travel industry closely, what are the latest trends that travelers should know about?

We all should be focusing on sustainable travel. I do not think that is only related to Iceland. Subjects like regenerative tourism is a trend that many talk about which is thought to go beyond sustainable travel and is based on adding a positive impact on local community and environment. But in general, sustainable travel is about how we can reduce negative environmental impact for the destination, support the economy, culture and society, not visit places that are already overcrowded, contribute to the nature and environment as well as try to reduce your carbon footprint. Visit Iceland created Icelandic Pledge few years ago.  Travelers are asked to pledge to be responsible travelers. Two years ago I also myself, did my very own travel pledge as it is not only the responsibility of the destinations to assist you in being responsible but is it also your own responsibility. I encourage you to have a look and use  and adopt as you like for your own travels.

What are your favorite activities and places here in Iceland?

All of Iceland is my playground – just love everything about my country. Does not matter if it is just driving around, sailing, or hiking.  Also, there is not trip to Iceland with out visiting a geothermal pool or regular swimming pools every day!

I absolutely love hiking and for many years now I have been collecting mountains all over Iceland. Being very proud to have been on the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur in 2018.  We are fortunate to have beautiful mountains at our doorsteps in the capital where I live. It takes me about 1 hour to have a lovely hike at Úlfarsfel. To hike Esjan which is very symbolic for the area, takes about 2-3 hours. It is an amazing quality of life and inspiration to have this so close.

Inga Hlin recommends the East of Iceland

As I am working in the East of Iceland, I need to name a few places that are favorites.  When you drive the Highland Circle gives you so many varieties from the area. To give you some idea – you will drive along the Lagarfljót lake, past the Hallormsstaðaskógur (which is the largest forrest in Iceland), Hengifoss waterfall (one of the highest in Iceland) and up to the highlands and see the beautiful mountain Snæfell as well as pass by Laugafell with hot springs, as well as by the end of the circle you will see the stunning Stuðlagil canyon and end your trip in VÖK geothermal bath in Urriðavatn lake. You might even spot a rendeer on the way. This route is though only open in the summer but HEY the summer is coming!

Inga Hlin is inspired by the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

My favourite place in Iceland that gives me the most inspiration and energy is Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. My parents are both from Snæfellsnes. I spent most of my childhood in my grandparents farm and my parents summerhouse there. We had a everyday view of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier. To drive along the peninsula and have the glacier always before my eyes, and see the shape constantly changing inspires me. I recommend a trip to the peninsula. For example,  visit Djúpalón beach, Saxhól crater and Skarðsvík beach – which is all part of the now Snæfellsjökull National Park. Hike the glacier with experienced guide, you will be filled will energy and inspiration for a whole year after. I know I was!

The wonderful Reykjavik City Museum

At last I would just like to name one of my favorite museums Reykjavik City Museum or Árbæjarsafn which is located in the capital and takes you back in time – that is how Reykjavik was in the past. It is a very family friendly place with a lot of activities and regular events. I used to work there when I was young and my mom worked there for over 35 years so it has a very special place in my heart and good memories working with my mom. There you can also get tradition pancakes – not to forget all the amazing food and restaurants in Iceland! But well I could go on and on about all my favorite activities and places but this gives you some ideas.
What advice do you have for those visiting Iceland for the first time?

Sign the Icelandic Pledge and take your time

Sign the Icelandic Pledge and do not rush your travel. Take your time everywhere and enjoy – go swimming every day, eat local food, breath the fresh air weather on sea, mountain, on route or in city center – and be happy no matter how the weather is – you are in Iceland! .. and yes come back!: – )