“I have been working in the meetings and events sector in the Faroe Islands for more than a decade, and when I started out, we only had 100 4-star hotel rooms in the city. Soon we will have five 4-star hotels and a large arena, so the reality in the meetings and events sector has changed a lot since I first started out.”
We spoke with Annleyg, Department manager of Meetings & Events at Visit Faroe Islands, about the year ahead and how the islands continue to grow as a destination for meetings and conferences.
1) How has this new year started for Visit Faroe Islands Meetings?
“It’s been a very busy start,” says Annleyg. “Our team has grown to three people, and everyone is working hard to ensure we have a strong plan for 2025.
2024 was a positive year overall, despite challenges such as a two-month workforce strike in May and June.”
“Being a remote island nation means our tourism sector is more vulnerable to disruptions, but we are resilient,” she adds.
“The islands now can accommodate 1500-2000 and with expanded venue capacities, the pressure is mounting to attract and plan for larger events. “
“That’s why our team expansion is so vital,” says Annleyg.
2) What will be different in your work this year compared to previous years?
“One big change is the increased demand for shoulder season conferences and events,” explains Annleyg. “Our strategy to stretch visitor traffic into the off seasons is working. In fact, winter is becoming a focus. We hosted a Winter Fam Trip in January 2024, showcasing the magic of this time of year. The feedback was fantastic, and we’re hopeful it will lead to more winter bookings.”
With a growing number of venues and hotel rooms, balancing demand with sustainability and quality is a key priority.
“It’s not just about growth; it’s about achieving both quality and quantity,” she emphasizes.
The team is guided by the HEIM strategy, which ensures that conferences bring added value to the Faroe Islands’ communities and align with sustainability goals. “Tórshavn, our capital, is deeply committed to sustainability, and we aim to improve our rankings in both the GDS Index and ICCA rankings. Considering we only have 55,000 inhabitants, our achievements per capita so far are remarkable.”
3) Have you developed new legacy projects in the past year?
“We’ve made meaningful progress,” says Annleyg. “For example, during the IWRA’s first Island Water Congress in September, legacy commitments included launching a public water dispenser and encouraging free refills for tourists’ bottles.”
“Looking ahead, the UEFA Women’s u17 Championship in May 2025 will bring 400 participants and visitors to the islands for two weeks. The event is expected to inspire numerous legacy projects and educational initiatives, fostering local engagement and long-term impact.”
4) What are the plans for 2025, and how will you promote the new Arena?
The newly-opened Arena is a versatile space that has already proven popular for concerts. “We’re excited to host our annual Ambassador Day at the Arena in February, inviting all 150 of our ambassadors to explore its possibilities,” shares Annleyg.
“The event will showcase the venue’s flexibility for dinners, receptions, and conferences through an engaging “journey” program. A darts competition is also planned as a teaser for the upcoming March 2025 Darts Event.”
5) Is there an annual theme for 2025/2026?
“Yes,” says Annleyg, “our theme is inspired by our geography: 1% land, 99% ocean. As a country whose primary income stems from fishing and aquaculture, the Faroe Islands pride themselves on their expertise in marine resources and their commitment to sustainable development for the ocean. The North Atlantic’s rich waters form the backbone of our economy, and in return, we feel a responsibility to protect and give back to this invaluable resource. Research, innovation, and sustainability for ocean conservation will be central themes for promoting conferences in 2025.”
This theme resonates with conference planners who want to address global challenges, and we’re dedicated to creating legacy opportunities from these conversations. Take the 2026 UArctic Congress, which will take place in the Faroe Islands from 26.-28. May 2026, featuring “Healthy Humans and Oceans in the Arctic“. It is hosted by the University, together with the Faroe Marine Research Institute & The Government of the Faroe Islands as Co-Hosts.
6) What other news are relevant for 2025?
“We’re seeing growth in the US market thanks to Icelandair’s daily flights connecting the Faroe Islands with North America,” explains Annleyg.
“Meanwhile, the ‘Closed for Maintenance’ initiative—a program where the islands temporarily close for tourism and focus on conservation—has seen an overwhelming rise in registrations, jumping from 4,000 to an incredible 15,504 applicants this year. We’re still verifying the numbers, but it shows how much people value our unique approach to sustainability and originality.”
“Also the perception of Arctic and sub-Arctic destinations is improving globally, thanks to heightened awareness of environmental and geopolitical issues. Locally, hotels and DMCs are making progress in sustainability, embracing eco-friendly food, energy, and mobility practices in new programs, while adopting meeting designs aligned with sustainable narratives.”
Conclusion
“We’re optimistic about 2025,” says Annleyg. “With the growing spirit of collaboration among our partners and a focus on quantity and quality, we’re building a destination that’s sustainable, innovative, and resilient. Here’s to a smooth and healthy year ahead!”
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content design/editing: FrauBlau /Johanna, 30.01.2025
