In 2008, Iceland suffered a 6.8 earthquake and economic collapse. Two years later, massive volcanic eruptions closed airports all over Europe. Hjörtur and his team managed to take these events and use them to grow Iceland’s travel industry, increasing profits by 22% annually. Now tourism is the largest industry in Iceland.

Destination marketing and place branding is Hjortur’s specialty. He has spoken to travel and tour operators around the world on how to react to crisis situations and seek opportunities to “build better.” 

Hjortur has kindly offered his expertise to those in the travel, restaurant and tourism industries here in Nepal. On June 19, Hjortur will conduct a virtual session, telling the story of his work in Iceland and lessons that might be useful for business owners as we work to make Nepal attractive to visitors once again. After his presentation, Hjortur will answer audience questions. 

Hjörtur is one of the founders of Phønix [www.phonixpanel.com], the international place branding panel. He has worked with a number of destinations around the world, specifically destinations that target adventure and outdoor tourism like Greenland, Lappland and destinations in Russia. 

All are welcome.