Iceland’s Aurora Craze Turns It Into an Alternative Disneyland: Tourist Numbers Exceed Locals by 7 to 1 Annually

▲ Breathtaking sights in Iceland (Photo / Inspired by Iceland Facebook page)

By Rita

Iceland has been a favorite travel spot for Taiwanese in recent years, but just how popular it has become may be beyond imagination: soon, the ratio of tourists to locals in Iceland will once again break records. But can the country really handle such a massive influx?

According to the UK’s Daily Telegraph, the overwhelming number of tourists flocking to Iceland has prompted the local government to consider implementing a “nature tax” aimed at protecting the country’s natural environment. With a total population of just 340,000, it’s been common in recent years to hear people around us planning trips to Iceland. The surge in interest is largely driven by the popularity of movies like Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

Last year, critics raised concerns about Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, gradually becoming “Disneyfied,” as the number of tourists from the United States alone surpassed Iceland’s entire population. The rapid growth of tourism has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding issues of ecological sustainability.

Beyond Iceland, there are many other destinations around the world where tourist numbers exceed the local population, such as Macau, Guam, Monaco, Palau, and Malta.