Crisscross is proud to be among the 300 Icelandic tour operators that came together yesterday, January 10th 2017, to sign a statement on Responsible Travelling. The aim is to make Iceland  a desired destination for times to come by sustainable practices and by travel operators taking responsibility for how their activities affect the environment and community. Signing the statement encourages the travel companies to follow international guidelines and definitions on corporate responsibility and sustainability in travelling.

Last December, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved the adoption of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The resolution recognizes “the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world”.

The full statement can be read here:

The travel industry in Iceland is a vital business sector that can contribute to the nation’s long-term welfare and reputation.

In tourism, there are many challenges to be faced concerning corporate social responsibility. These include increased encroachment on nature, respect for employee rights, that communities visited by tourists receive a fair share of the benefits and that tourist safety is guaranteed and they are provided excellent service.

We the undersigned intend to promote responsible tourism by:

1. Demonstrating exemplary behaviour and respect for nature.
2. Ensuring the safety of our guests and treating them courteously.
3. Respecting the rights of employees.
4. Having a positive impact on the local community.

We intend to set goals for ourselves concerning the above mentioned responsibilities, to measure our progress and regularly publish information on the results attained by our company.

<WEST ICELAND IS THE BEST ICELAND

THE CHRISTMAS BATH IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN>

For most people taking a bath probably means a good, warm shower or soaking in warm water in a cozy bathtub. But there are some who choose a different kind of bathing and find it particularly refreshing in the winter time. Swimming in the sea has been an increasingly popular activity in Iceland in the last few years. Sea bathers take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean at temperatures as low as 0° Celsius.

After a bath in the sea it is customary to warm up the body again in the nearest sauna or hot tub. Alternating hot and cold baths has numerous health benefits and ardent sea swimmers will tell you how this contributes to their physical and mental well being – all year round.

<SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLING IN ICELAND

THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR>

Today is the shortest day of the year, with sunrise in Reykjavik at 11:22 and sunset at 15:31. It is a lovely day, full of promises of brighter days ahead. After an exceptionally mild winter we finally have some snow and it looks like we will be enjoying white Christmas.

In the Old Way, before Icelanders became christians, people celebrated the return of light and longer days at this time of year. The celebration was called Yule, or as we say in Iceland: Jól.

<THE CHRISTMAS BATH IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN 

ARTISAN FOOD PRODUCERS COME TO REYKJAVIK>

December 10th is International Terra Madre day, when Slow Food organisations around the world celebrate and honour artisan food production. It is very fitting that this day will see an artisan food market in Harpa concert house in Reykjavík. Icelandic artisan food producers bring their tastiest food to town.

This is a great opportunity for food lovers to taste local food. In the market you will find food prepared according to old traditions combined with innovative culinary practices. The market in Harpa is open Saturday and Sunday 11 – 17. Get ready to enjoy and pick up a few treats to bring back home!

<THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR

REMEMBERING SUMMER>

The days keep getting shorter. The winter has been rainy, adding to the darkness. Christmas decorations are coming up all around town and at home we light candles and Christmas lights. Winter has its charm, but still it feels good to remember summer. In a few weeks the days start getting longer again

and before we know the grass will start to get green again. Until then we can let our minds float towards the soft summer beauty of Hvalfjörðurs lovely shoreline, green hills and smooth valleys. Soon we will be there again.

< ARTISAN FOOD PRODUCERS COME TO REYKJAVIK

SHEARING THE SHEEP >