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Mælaborð ferðaþjónustunnar: A Critical Analysis of Iceland’s Tourism Dashboard Introduction Stephen Few, a renowned data visualisation expert, defines a dashboard as “a visual display of the most important information needed to achieve one or more objectives, with the data consolidated and arranged on a single screen so the information can be monitored at a glance” (Few, 2004). Using this definition as starting point, let’s examine ferðamalastofa’s dashboards and analyse its effectiveness as a tool for understanding tourism patterns in the country. ...

The recent annoucnement by Minister Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir marks a significant milestone for Iceland’s tourism sector. The government’s commitment to allocate 60 million ISK annually for tourism research and data collection demonstrates a clear understanding of the industry’s future needs. This initiative arrives at a crucial time. As Iceland’s tourism sector continues to evolve, the need for data-driven decision-making becomes increasingly apparent. The proposed open data space for tourism (opið gagnarými) could transform how we understand and manage visitor flows, resource allocation, and sustainable tourism development. What makes this announcement particularly promising is its comprehensive approach. Rather than isolated data collection efforts, the strategy emphasises creating an integrated ecosystem where both public and private stakeholders can access and contribute to a shared knowledge base. ...

GAGNVIST Datathon 2024 - Post-Event Report The Event: Designing Iceland’s Future Transit Organised by Hagstofa, The GAGNVIST Datathon 2024 brought together teams to tackle a fascinating challenge: optimising Borgarlínan’s route system in Iceland. Our team, Nerd Herd, approached this with a unique perspective - focusing on the human element of transit rather than just the technical infrastructure. The goal was to analysd and potentially redesign the proposed routes for Borgarlínan, using data from multiple sources including geographic data, population distribution from Hagstofan, employment centers, and existing Stræto bus routes. ...

As an IT professional in Iceland’s tourism sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of data analytics. Our breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences have drawn visitors from around the globe. But in today’s digital age, how can we leverage data to enhance these experiences and drive sustainable growth? Recently, I dove deep into the world of data analytics in tourism, exploring its applications and potential impact on our industry. What I discovered was eye-opening. By harnessing the vast amounts of data generated by tourists - from social media posts to booking patterns - we can gain unprecedented insights into visitor preferences, behaviours, and pain points. ...