Jorgen Niclasen, a Faroe Islander, never expected the surge of tourists flocking to the remote archipelago in the North Atlantic. What was once a quiet haven is now bustling with visitors drawn to the rugged beauty of Kalsoy’s cliffs, Gjogv’s grass-roofed houses, and Mykines’ puffins.
With tourism booming since its inception a decade ago, the Faroe Islands have undergone a transformation, welcoming 130,000 visitors in 2023. The archipelago’s economy has benefitted greatly, with tourism contributing 6% to the GDP, up from 1% in 2015. The capital city, Thorshavn, now boasts trendy restaurants and a thriving nightlife, offering diverse activities like surfing and scuba diving.
The government’s strategic focus on diversifying the economy beyond fishing and salmon farming has played a key role in this growth, making the Faroe Islands more resilient in times of crisis and boosting their global profile.