Issue link: https://digital.meetinreykjavik.is/i/653841
LEADING LIGHTS New European Economy 26 hat sets Iceland apart and what is familiar to many is its beautiful and rugged landscape and natural wonders, which can be easily reached from its capital. Within two hours, visitors can be transported to the nearest glacier or into remote areas of the country. Iceland is an all year round destination, with modern infrastructure and has been a favourite for event planners in search of the extraor- dinary. Not to forget the highly educated and welcoming residents, but Iceland's 320,000 people are ranked the friendliest in the world to foreign visitors according to a new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Challenges and fun ideas are welcomed by the Icelandic staff working in the Meetings and Incentives industry. Helicopter hiking, setting up a buffet on a glacier or arranging dinner in a cave are one of many tasks. Icelanders have specialized in Super Jeep tours into the highlands, crossing rivers off the beaten track into a world with amazing colour contrasts. Where else but in Iceland can you enter a magma chamber of a volcano, like Thríhnúkagígur, which is only 30 minutes from Reykjavík or stand close to a spouting geyser erupting every 7 minutes? You can also add to your experience and snorkel or dive between two continents in a gap between the Eurasian Plate and North American Plate in the National Park Thingvellir only 40 minutes away from Reykjavík. Other fun activities are e.g. W 01. Northern Lights on Langjokull glacier. Brynja Laxdal INSPIRATIONAL ICELAND With the recent establishment of Meet in Reykjavík, the city's official convention bureau, Iceland's capital Reykjavík is boosting its image as a leading conference city and incentive destination; and the city certainly has plenty to show off with, from its newly built concert hall and conference centre Harpa to its unremitting "can do attitude". REYKJAVÍK, THE CAPITAL, HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A YOUNG AND DARING CITY THAT IS CHARACTERIZED BY STRONG CONTRASTS ^ ICELAND_3.qxd:Layout 1 16/01/2014 10:20 Page 26