Icelandic Minister calls for enhanced safety protocols for tour operators following glacier incident

The Icelandic Minister of Justice, Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, has emphasized the critical importance of safety protocols for tour operators after a recent incident on Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that resulted in one death and one serious injury. The minister described the situation as extremely serious, particularly due to the lack of accurate participant registrations, which endangered many lives while search efforts were underway.

Guðrún called for organized tours selling experiences to tourists to implement rigorous safety measures. She noted the substantial costs incurred during the rescue operation, which involved helicopters and the assistance of the Danish military, alongside rescue teams from Reykjavík and the surrounding areas.

The Minister raised concerns about what might have happened had another major incident occurred simultaneously with the ongoing rescue operations. She reiterated the need for tour companies to prioritize the safety of both their staff and clients.

Environmental Minister Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity of preventing similar incidents. He affirmed the beauty of Icelandic nature while advocating for responsible tourism practices, urging those involved in selling tours to act cautiously and prioritize public safety.

These statements come at a time when the reliability of tour operations is under scrutiny, as recent events have highlighted the vulnerabilities within Iceland’s tourism sector, calling for immediate improvements in safety standards to protect both residents and visitors to the island.