Report highlights safety concerns for ice cave tourism in Vatnajökull following Breiðamerkurjökull accident
In the past year, nearly 300,000 individuals participated in tours of Vatnajökull, including ice cave explorations, generating approximately seven billion Icelandic krónur in revenue, according to estimates from Vatnajökulsþjóðgardur. A detailed report about the status and evolution of ice cave tourism will be published on the national park’s website next week.
Following a tragic accident during an ice cave tour in Breiðamerkurjökull on August 25, the government established a task force involving four ministries to review safety protocols for glacier tours. Over the past twelve months, around 205,000 people took part in ice cave tours, which have become extremely popular. The report indicates that each visitor pays an average of 23,000 krónur for the experience, totaling an estimated 6.6 billion krónur.
The national park does not have the legal authority to close areas due to normal seasonal changes, such as the melting of glaciers in summer. After the fatal incident, there were discussions about banning ice cave tours during the summer, which only began last year at Vatnajökull.
The report stresses the need for enhanced oversight of companies offering these tours, which has already been increased since the accident. Every day, and sometimes multiple times a day, conditions of specific ice caves are assessed for safety, with all guides being informed.
Additionally, concerns are raised about how far companies can alter the glacier’s surface according to their own discretion. It was recently reported that Vatnajökulsþjóðgardur has filed a complaint regarding significant violations of environmental protection laws related to unauthorized use of heat blowers to create access points on the glacier.