Issue link: https://digital.meetinreykjavik.is/i/653841
LEADING LIGHTS New European Economy 28 whale watching, sea angling, kayaking, river rafting, horseback riding, riding ATV´s, fly- fishing and golfing. Reykjavík, the capital, has been described as a young and daring city that is characterized by strong contrasts. Reykjavík sometimes feels like a cosmopolitan capital and a harbour village at the same time. The city can boost itself of high tech infrastructure in respect to venues and accommodation and has in a way the best of both worlds; the qualities of a modern, forward-looking society comple- mented by a close connection to Iceland's beautiful and unspoilt nature. Everything is within reach in the city, minimizing trans- portation time. Reykjavík's legendary culture scene is bolstered by plentiful social happenings and events in addition to an abundance of first- class restaurants, steadily gaining Iceland a rep- utation as a foodie destination. Reykjavík is ideally located to "Meet in the Middle" with an International airport where Icelandair operates a flight hub connecting Europe and USA. Iceland is favoured by many international planners as well as business and academic leaders because of the location and easy access by numerous direct flights. Meeting facilities; classy or unique? There are several conference hotels and venues but the most prominent display of the city's cor- porate courtship is the newly built Harpa, a combo concert hall and convention centre that opened in May 2011. Harpa won the MICE award 2012 as the Best Conference Venue in Northern Europe and the prestigious European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, Mies van der Rohe award 2013. There are also many unusual venues for meetings and events such as the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík Art Museum, boats and indoor swimming pools to name a few. These are all venues that can be transformed into magical surroundings creating memorable moments. J 03. NEED TO KNOW FACTS • Iceland is among the top ranking Scandinavian destination according to the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report in 2013. • Iceland was voted as one of top ten Best in Travel 2013 by Lonely Planet. • National Geographic named Iceland among the best of the world's trips available in 2012. • In August 2011, The City of Reykjavík was designated as UNESCO City of Literature. • In 2011, Reykjavík was awarded the World Festival and Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association. • CNN has nominated Reykjavík as one of the five most interesting Christmas destination 03. Snaefellsnes Peninsula Horseback Riding. --------- 04. South Shore Seljalandsfoss. --------- 05. lacier Lagoon. --------- 06. Harpa concert hall and conference centre. 04. 05. 06. ICELAND_3.qxd:Layout 1 16/01/2014 10:20 Page 28