Faroese tourism industry faces debate over future direction

The Faroese tourism sector, now the country’s third-largest industry with an export value of 1.4 billion krona, is under scrutiny as concerns grow over its economic distribution and reliance on platforms like Airbnb, national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya reports.

Tourism has surged to become the Faroe Islands’ third-biggest industry by export value, trailing only fishing and aquaculture. However, critics argue that revenue from the sector is disproportionately concentrated in the capital, Tórshavn, rather than spreading benefits across the islands.

A shift in accommodation trends has also emerged, with more visitors opting to stay in private homes and apartments through platforms like Airbnb instead of traditional hotels.

Industry representatives and politicians will debate the sector’s future in Breddin, a current affairs program airing Friday at 10:00 on Kringvarp Føroya. Participants include Guðrið Højgaard, director of Visit Faroe Islands, Árni Skaale, a parliamentarian for the People’s Party and member of the tourism committee, and Eirikur í Jákupsstovu, a former minister for industry and current parliamentarian for the Republic party.

The discussion will address whether the industry should maintain its current trajectory or implement structural changes to ensure broader economic benefits.