Direct flights have significant impact on tourism

"Direct international flights to Akureyri naturally increase access to our area. It's quicker to come to us, so it matters. Especially over the winter period, it is not always feasible by land route, but possible by air. So, it has a significant impact," says Freyja Rut Emilsdóttir, General manager of 1238: Battle of Iceland.

"We are preparing, for example, by emphasizing staying open throughout the winter, open every day, and ensuring easy access. We have also naturally increased our focus on marketing activities in the vicinity of the airport, meaning having our marketing presence there so that people who didn't know about us when they arrived know about us when they arrive," says Freyja Rut.

According to Freyja, there are opportunities present for winter tourism services in Skagafirði, which can be utilized much better than they are currently.

"It is possible to enhance tourism services over the winter, and there are plenty of opportunities for year-round operations. Both in terms of cultural activities and maintaining museums and exhibitions open. There is also easy access to northern lights and great northern lights spectacles, ski services of course, and services and infrastructure that can be improved. Winter recreation, such as horseback riding and hiking, are opportunities available," she says.

The connection to the surrounding area is prominent when examining the exhibition at 1238, but the company's connection is also significant within the modern local community.

"I think we do a lot for the community. For example, we organize various events, often aimed at locals. We have events that are often free on local culture and history. We also hold cultural events and larger events such as concerts and performances. Last year, we gave all residents of Skagafjarðar a Christmas gift and access to the exhibition - family passes. We also participate in strengthening the community, we respond well to all donation requests, when asked to contribute to bingo and such. The other day, there was a big basketball tournament where participation was access to the exhibition, so we have done one thing and another to support the community," says Freyja.

She is optimistic about the company's expansion in the future, attracting more guests to Sauðárkrókur. Still, she also envisions being able to take the exhibition and set it up temporarily here and there.

"As for the company and tourism development, we may look at diverse expansion. We both hope to increase the number of visitors to our exhibition, and I would like us to have the flexibility to have longer opening hours, even in the evenings. But we are also developing exhibitions in all directions, that is, we are opening up our exhibition more widely. Both domestically and internationally, the expansion takes place both here, where we are increasing guests but also where we are spreading our fame wider. I hope tourism here in Sauðárkróki will increase opportunities and opportunities for others. Both for entertainment, in accommodation, and so on," says Freyja Rut.