Member Article

Hidden Iceland seeks new agent relationships

Icelandic based tourism operator, Hidden Iceland is seeking out new relationships with UK-based travel agents as it looks to expand its global network.

The independent operator, based in Reykjavík, was founded in July 2017 and officially launched in the November, delivering over 150 trips for those wishing to discover Iceland’s hidden gems. The company also offers opportunities to visit popular spots without the hustle and bustle of crowds, for instance visiting the popular secret lagoons at sunrise to offer a more immersive experience.

The company’s founders are looking to the future and wish to establish new relationships with UK-based travel agents, as it continues to expand its market. Currently 20% of Hidden Iceland’s visitors come from the UK.

Since 2010, the number of tourists visiting Iceland has nearly quadrupled to around 1.8 million. According to the Icelandic Tourism Board, 316,395 people visited Iceland from the UK in 2016 (through Keflavík Airport). This was only 40,151 short of the visitor figure for Central and Southern Europe combined which stands at 356,546 – showing the nation’s growing appetite for a holiday different from the norm.

Hidden Iceland specialises in providing visitors with an immersive experience, offering bespoke tours for couples, families and solo travellers looking for an authentic visit.

Guides strive to make visits to the unique locations the best they can possible be, with personalised service and expert knowledge at the core, the team make the most of all that Iceland has to offer, including its stunning secluded locations, glaciers and vibrant natural landscapes.

Hidden Iceland has been immensely popular with visitors since its launch and provides day trips and multi-day experiences, tours and private guided visits for customers from across the world, with the UK, Europe and the US proving particularly popular. Trips are available to book direct, and via TripAdvisor and Viator.

The company was established by three founders – Ryan Connolly, Scott Drummond, and Icelandic native Dagný Björg Stefánsdóttir, around the idea that an experienced guide can transform a visit from good to an outstanding adventure.

All three founders are highly experienced guides as well as keen international travellers and are committed to offering a truly breath-taking experience for visitors.

Ryan originally moved to Iceland from Scotland two years ago and went on to co-found the company. With a passion for travel, Ryan visited all seven continents in 2016 and has led guided tours across the globe.

He said: “We’re so pleased with how the business has grown since our launch. Over the last 10 months we’ve honed what makes Hidden Iceland so special and stand out in the market place.

“Our visitors tell us that our personal tours are an experience like no other with customers regularly booking a second tour while in the country, or referring friends afterwards, which is extremely encouraging.

“We design and run tours as if we are showing our friends and family around Iceland, to make the most of this incredible country. This approach allows us to find the very best, and sometimes hidden sights, to make our visitors fully appreciate the wonder and magic on offer here.

“As we continue to grow, we’re looking to establish new relationships with UK based travel agents. The UK is a huge market for us and we’re keen to hear from agents who’d like to work together to offer truly personalised tour products and adventures to their clients.

“People are looking for richer experiences, and, as holidays are such a precious time, we’re keen to provide truly bespoke tours to ensure people want to discover Iceland’s secrets again and again.”

Hidden Iceland is a Certified Tour Operator as authorised by the Icelandic Tourist Board, member of the Family Travel Association and a Certified Climate Care Partner.

The company also run immersive scheduled trips every day around the country. If you choose to do a private trip they can be as bespoke as desired, and the team are happy to consider all requests, whether visitors have a specific location in mind or simply want to try something different to the norm.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hidden Iceland .