Have you ever wondered what the impact of poor communication looks like in the workplace? Or how many people are affected by it? We have, because we at Soocial are laser-focused on making communication as easy, clear, and effective as possible for all of our clients.

So we did some research. And what we found made us really happy that we do what we do, because statistics show that an astounding number of people are negatively impacted by poor communication in the workplace.

We’ve all had the experience of working on a project, only to have it fall apart because of communication problems between us and our coworkers. That’s why we’re so excited to share this amazing resource with you!

Here you’ll find tons of statistics about workplace communication—from how often people are misunderstood to how much time is wasted when we don’t communicate clearly, and much more! These stats can help you understand what’s going on in your workplace, so you can plan your next steps.

Workplace Communication Statistics (Editor’s Pick)

• 33% of professionals agree that communication has become more challenging in recent years.
• 96% of business leaders believe that effective communication is key to a productive remote or hybrid work environment.
• 86% of knowledge workers report experiencing communication issues at work.
• Poor communication within the workplace costs US businesses an estimated $1.2 trillion a year.
• Business leaders spend over 36 hours a week on communication.
• At 45%, online tools are the most-used channels to communicate with colleagues.
• 54% of corporate communication officers have a budget larger than $1 million.

General Workplace Communication Statistics

1. 33% of professionals agree that communication has become more challenging in 2021.

Another 26% agree that business communication (both internal and with customers) has deteriorated in the past year. This compares to the 17% who say that communication has actually gotten easier.

Positive communication experiences might be attributed to the fact that 61% of professionals started using new communication and project management tools in 2021.

2. 96% of business leaders believe that effective communication is key to a productive remote or hybrid work environment.

Want to know what leaders and employees have in common? They both wish their companies had better tools for communication.

82% of business leaders and 59% of regular employees are afraid they won’t be able to communicate effectively with remote or hybrid working models in the future. 88% of business leaders and 63% of regular employees wish their companies had better tools to help people communicate effectively.

3. 55 percent of business leaders plan to improve communication clarity by leveraging new tools.

More than half of business leaders are planning to leverage new tools to improve their company’s internal communication clarity. This is a result of the increasingly global nature of business, as well as the growing reliance on remote teams and telecommuting.

As companies continue to expand their reach, they need to stay connected with employees who may be based in different time zones and have dramatically different cultural backgrounds. These new tools are designed to help bridge that gap by making the work process easier to understand, and improving communication between workers and managers.

The report found that many business leaders believe the new tools will allow their employees to communicate more efficiently, saving time and money.

Other prominent aspects of communication that business leaders are looking to improve by utilizing new tools include:

• empathy in communication (53%),
• communication efficiency/volume (50%),
• consistency in language, style, and messaging (50%), and
• communication tone (45%).

4. 86% of business leaders report that they have a dedicated budget for communications.

That’s great news! It means that they’re on board with making an investment in communicating with their customers, employees, and other stakeholders. They know that it’s important to invest in things like newsletters, websites, email marketing, social media, and more.

After all, 86% is a pretty convincing number. Nearly 9 out of 10 of your peers are convinced that now is the time to invest in communication. It’s hard to ignore that kind of upward trend.

When it comes to the ways in which business leaders plan to spend that budget, 68% will invest in tools to facilitate more effective written communication, 66% will do so in tools that will provide more effective communication in general, while 65% are looking to introduce quality assurance or review processes to ensure communication is accurate.

5. Among business leaders, 85% are confident in their written communication abilities and 88% say the same for verbal communication.

Business leaders also report high perceived effectiveness in the written (83%) and verbal (85%) communication they receive from others. Furthermore, 82 percent of business leaders report that they communicate clearly with their direct reports, while only 68 percent of knowledge workers believe managers communicate effectively.

This is not to say that the other 14% of executives are lying about their confidence. Rather, it’s an opportunity to examine why there might be a disconnect between the expectations and perceptions of business leaders and knowledge workers when it comes to communication.

Clearly, the issue isn’t that managers aren’t trying. Everyone wants to communicate clearly and effectively. The problem could be that many leaders are so caught up in their day-to-day responsibilities, that they don’t take the time to really understand what their employees want and need to know—and how they want and need to hear it.

6. 72% of business leaders feel that their teams have a hard time communicating clearly with people outside their organization.

Whoa! Did you know that 72% of business leaders say that their employees have a hard time communicating with people outside their company?

Yet, only 45% of knowledge workers agree with that statement. This figure rises to 64% among workers in the tech industry, indicating they’re either more aware of communication issues or their industry is one facing them more often.

The days of relying on face-to-face meetings are long gone. Now, it’s all about clear and consistent communication with clients and customers via emails, texts, phone calls—you name it. And guess what? Nearly three-quarters of business leaders say their teams are struggling to achieve this! That’s a lot of missed opportunities and inefficient workflows.

7. Among knowledge workers, 73% are confident in their written communication abilities and 68% say the same for verbal communication.

Knowledge workers, however, report lower perceived effectiveness in the written and verbal communication they receive from others, at 62% and 63%, respectively.

Furthermore, equal portions of knowledge workers rate communication from professionals outside of their company (55%) as equally impactful as that of senior leaders within their own company (56%).

8. 43% of communication officers agree that COVID-19 had a very disruptive impact on their communications objectives and agenda.

In fact, a further 53% report shifts in communications focus and demand post-pandemic.

When it comes to the kind of actions they’re taking in that regard, 62% of corporate communication officers have increased their focus on employee communications, while 56% increased their use of communications technology.

At 51% of communication leaders each, increased focus on business transformation efforts and elevated/altered communication importance rank third, followed by an increase of internal partnerships (such as strategy, marketing, HR, etc.) as agreed by 47% of corporate communication officers.

9. 77% of business leaders have found their communications agenda affected by business transformation.

Social issues follow as agreed by 74% of communication leaders, while consumer demand shifts rank third at 56%.

Other forces that impact communication leaders’ agendas include talent, regulatory changes, technology transformation, and investor activism, as agreed by 38%, 33%, 25%, and 19%, respectively.

10. For 67% of communication officers, marketing communications is an integral capability when it comes to delivering their communication strategy and objectives in the upcoming period.

Employee communication and corporate positioning follow at 54% and 51%, respectively. 40% of communication officers prioritize crisis and risk management, while 30% put editorial and content development among the top areas needed to carry out their strategy.

Media relations and financial communications round the list, being the priority responsibilities to carry out objectives of 27% and 26% of communication leaders, respectively.

11. 65% of communication leaders expect partner support in marketing communications in the upcoming period.

A further 44% say the same for corporate positioning, followed by crisis and risk management at 39%. Editorial and content development as well as employee communications are among the top areas where partner support is expected for 32% of communication leaders each.

The list of top areas where communication leaders anticipate partner support in the upcoming period is rounded by media relations, communication technology, narrative development, and financial communications, at 31%, 30%, 28%, and 26%, respectively.

12. Intermediate communication officers adopt communication technologies in the most versatile way.

Creating and distributing content tailored to specific channels and audiences as well as tracking performance against business goals are the most common ways intermediate communication officers use CommsTech, at 44% each.

Stakeholder monitoring dashboards follow at 35%, while micro-targeting audiences with paid advertising and maintaining an informed and validated earned strategy rank third with 33% each. 29% of intermediate communication officers use CommsTech to develop audience personas and journey maps.

13. 39% of advanced communication officers use CommsTech for dynamic content creation and performance-based optimization.

35% use communication technology as a source of enterprise data to help formulate their business strategy, while 31% use deep learning to predict messaging and targeting opportunities. Another 30% of advanced communication officers use CommsTech to map revenue back to their activities.

Baseline communication officers, on the other hand, report limited usage of CommsTech, with 44% of them using it for measurement based on media impressions and 43% as a social media content publishing tool.

14. 98% of business leaders report that their job is easier when their colleagues communicate clearly.

Business leaders have a lot on their plates. Most executives are stretched pretty thin already; the last thing they need is to spend time deciphering unclear messages from colleagues. It’s a waste of everyone’s time, and it’s a huge barrier to getting things done efficiently.

That’s why 98% of business leaders Most business leaders recognize that clear communication makes their job easier. The same is true for 94% of knowledge workers. Furthermore, 89% of business leaders and 86% of knowledge workers say communication is one of the most underrated professional skills.

What does this mean for you? Well, it means that, at the bare minimum, you need to make sure your colleagues can understand you. But if you’re reading this and thinking: “I do communicate clearly,” then know that there’s more to being understood than just saying exactly what you mean. Getting people to listen and connect with what you’re saying is just as important as saying something understandable in the first place.

This statistic is important because it shows us how much we can be doing better at work—and in our lives in general—when we pay attention not only to the words we use but also to how we relate to other people through our communication with them.

The Cost of Poor Workplace Communication

15. Poor communication within the workplace costs US businesses an estimated $1.2 trillion a year.

Communication is key to the success of any business, but can you put a price on good communication? Yes, actually. As a result of poor communication, businesses in the United States are losing up to $1.2 trillion annually.

And it’s not just the total amount of losses that proves the adverse effects of communication breakdown. What’s more surprising is that a staggering nine out of ten businesses have experienced the negative impact of poor workplace communication.

The cost of poor communication isn’t just about lost earnings: it’s about employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and productivity. When your employees can’t communicate well with each other or your customers, they can’t do their jobs properly. When your customers struggle to communicate with your employees, they feel frustrated and taken for granted. Poor communication can also lead to low morale, which leads to high turnover rates—and that’s not just bad for the employees who leave; it’s bad for the company too. After all, it takes time and money to train new employees!

It may seem like a small thing, but the effects of poor communication are far-reaching—and expensive! But there’s good news: fixing the problem isn’t hard! You just need to make sure that everyone has access to high-quality tools and training that will help them communicate well in all situations.

16. 76% of business leaders say their company doesn’t value good communication enough.

Business leaders overwhelmingly agree that their companies underestimate the extent to which good communication practices can lead to better performance.

A further 74% say their company underestimates the cost of poor communication.

17. 45% of businesses reported increased costs as a result of poor workplace communication.

Other direct costs due to communication breakdown include missed deadlines, reported by 39% of businesses, eroded brand reputation (34%), decreased productivity (28%), and lost deals (20%). Another 35% of businesses have lost an employee due to poor internal communication.

18. 95% of people agree that businesses they deal with could use communication improvements.

A further 70% say they’ve stopped dealing with a company and moved to a competitor due to a feeling they were disorganized. Businesses, however, don’t seem to be aware of the issue, considering 26% of them rate their own communication and organization as excellent.

19. 86% of knowledge workers report experiencing communication issues at work.

At 49%, not receiving timely responses from others ranks as the top challenge, followed by communicating clearly so recipients understand the message (37%), and understanding received messages (33%).

Other communication challenges knowledge workers experience include keeping up with the frequency of communication (31%), identifying the proper tone to use in messaging (30%), and choosing the right platform or tool for communication (26%).

20. 29% of knowledge workers report having difficulties understanding their next steps or responsibilities.

Among other indirect costs of poor workplace communication, a respective third and quarter of business leaders report negative impacts on brand credibility/reputation and customer satisfaction.

Businesses with an employee turnover rate of 15% or higher were 34% more likely to say that they struggled with effective communication as a team in the past year.

21. 75% of business leaders believe that resolving miscommunications takes up too much of their time and energy.

When business leaders were asked if they thought they and their teams spent too much time and energy resolving miscommunications, an overwhelming three-quarters of them replied in the affirmative.

This figure aligns with the portions of knowledge workers and business leaders who say they experience written miscommunication at least weekly (54% and 79%, respectively).

Furthermore, business leaders estimate that their teams waste as much as 19% of their workweeks (or 7.47 hours) due to poor communication.

22. 63% of business leaders report losing time to miscommunication.

63 percent of business leaders say they lose time trying to clarify communication challenges, or asking additional questions when business partners or colleagues don’t communicate clearly.

Resolving mistakes caused by communication issues (such as missed deadlines, unsatisfactory deliverables, and the like) ranks second on the list of reasons business leaders spend time on (reported by 59% of them) while following up with colleagues on deliverables rounds the list (as reported by 52% of business leaders).

Statistics on Workplace Communication Types and Channels

23. Knowledge workers spend nearly half (19.93 hours) of the typical 40-hour working week on written communication.

At 11% (4.34 hours), the largest portion of that time goes into writing to others, closely followed by responding to written communication from others at 10% (4.05 hours).

Creating materials to be shared with others takes knowledge workers 8% of their total work time (3.27 hours), while reviewing/editing others’ materials and revising their own material each account for 7% of their time (2.98 and 2.81 hours, respectively).

Other writing tasks take up 6% (2.48 hours) of the average 40-hour workweek of knowledge workers.

24. Knowledge workers spend over 26 hours a week communicating via text or talking.

61% of knowledge workers prefer real-time communication while 55% say they communicate in real-time most of the time.

When it comes to which communication channels they spend the most time on, email ranks first at 5.3 hours, followed by virtual video meetings (4.03 hours) and text-based chat (3.35 hours).

25. As stated by 57% of knowledge workers, email is their most preferred way of communication.

Virtual video and in-person meetings follow at 40% and 38%, respectively, while text-based chat rounds the list, preferred by 29% of knowledge workers.

26. Business leaders spend over 36 hours a week on communication.

When it comes to their most-used ways to communicate, virtual video meetings rank first (5.82 hours), followed by in-person meetings and project/sales management software (5.23 and 5.06 hours, respectively).

27. At 45%, online tools are the most-used channels to communicate with colleagues.

Online tools like Slack and Zoom are followed by email, used by 30% of professionals. Face-to-face and phone communication rank last, at 12% and 6%, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, online tool usage for colleague communication increased by 17 percentage points (from 28% to 45%). Phone communication also noted an increase of 4 percentage points (from 2% to 6%).

On the other hand, face-to-face and email communication noted a decrease of 11 and 10 percentage points, respectively. Namely, face-to-face colleague communication dropped from 23% in 2020 to 12% in 2021, while emailing dropped from 40% in 2020 to 30% in 2021.

28. At 51%, email is the most-used client communication channel.

Online tools rank second, being the preferred client communication channel for 31% of professionals. At 7% and 5%, respectively, phone and face-to-face are the least preferred ways to communicate with clients.

Even though it still reigns supreme, the trend of emailing to communicate with clients dropped by 14 percentage points between 2020 and 2021 (from 65% to 51%).

Phone communication also noted a slight drop in the same period (from 9% to 7%), while there were no changes in trends regarding face-to-face communication.

Finally, using online tools for client communication increased by 15 percentage points between 2020 and 2021 (from 16% to 31%).

29. 82% of professionals agree they spent more time in virtual meetings in 2021 than they did in 2020.

An additional 55% of professionals also say they prefer virtual to face-to-face meetings, even though two-thirds agree they often waste time in meetings.

30. Millennial knowledge workers prefer text-based and virtual communication over in-person meetings.

Here’s how communication methods rank in order of preference for Millennial knowledge workers: virtual video meetings (45%), text-based chat (36%), phone meetings/conference calls and text messages (32% each), in-person meetings (27%), and project/sales management software (22%).

When it comes to the most preferred methods of communication for knowledge workers across all generations, virtual video meetings still rank first (40%), but they’re closely followed by in-person meetings (34%) while text-based chat ranks third (29%). Phone meetings/conference calls and text messages follow (27% and 25%, respectively), while project/sales management software again ranks last among knowledge workers overall (13%).

Workplace Communication Budgeting Statistics

31. 54% of corporate communication officers have a budget larger than $1 million.

In fact, an equal half of them either have a budget between $1 million and $4.9 million, or above $5 million. On the other side of the spectrum, 26% of corporate communication officers have a budget below half a million, while 21% can spend between $500k and $999k.

32. At 27%, salary and related expenses account for the biggest portion of communication leaders’ budgets.

Agency and service provider fees rank second at 17%, followed by measurement and monitoring activities as well as digital marketing, at 12% each. Communications analytics account for 11% of communication leaders’ budgets, followed by multimedia content development at 10%, while 1% goes out to other expenses.

33. 55% of corporate communication leaders expect a budget increase in the current year.

Most of them (24%) expect that increase to be below 5%, while 16% estimate the communications budget increase to be within the 5%-10% bracket. 9% of corporate communication leaders expect a budget increase of 10%-15%, while only 6% of them expect that figure to exceed 15%.

34. 29% of corporate communication leaders expect a budget decrease in the current year.

11% of them estimate that decrease to be below 5%, while 7% forecast a communication budget decrease between 5% and 10%. 6% of corporate communication leaders expect a budget decrease of over 15%, while another 5% forecast that figure to be 10%-15%.

35. Functional organization is the top investment area for 89% of corporate communication leaders in the upcoming period.

Communication technology and strategy follow, prioritized by 70% and 65%, respectively.

Capabilities and process are a priority investment area for 56% of corporate communication leaders, followed by skills/training at 49%, creative resources at 43%, and governance at 34%.

A further 6% of corporate communication leaders said they’re prioritizing investment areas that don’t fall in either of these categories.

36. Each prioritized by 50% of corporate communication leaders, social media and corporate websites rank as the top communication technology investment areas.

Data analytics and dashboards follow, prioritized by 49% of corporate communication leaders, while internal collaboration platforms rank third at 46%.

Paid amplification as well as content management and campaign automation systems are each prioritized by 40% of corporate communication leaders.

CRM and marketing automation follow at 39% each, then hyper-targeting tools and employee apps at 35% each.

37. 58% of communication leaders say investment justification is among the biggest challenges to increasing communication technology use.

Obstacles to increased use of technology, data, and analytics in corporate communications include:

• IT operations’ understanding of communication needs (49%);
• Teams struggling to adopt and leverage digital tools and analytics (47%);
• CommsTech responsibility being with IT and/or marketing departments (46%);
• Collaborating challenges with marketing and sales operation (42%);
• CommsTech not being a strategic priority for C-level executives (39%);
• No budget (36%);
• Decreasing budget (34%);
• Business leaders not understanding the value (34%);
• Communication leaders’ lack of knowledge of options and what should be used (34%);
• Communication leaders not fully understanding the benefits and value proposition of CommsTech (23%);
• Other (6%).

Corporate Communication Teams Statistics

38. As agreed by 79% of corporate communication officers, strategy is the most-expected responsibility within their area of work.

Investor and government relations rank second at 70%, followed by brand and corporate identity at 63% and employee communications at 62%. Communications policy and audience insights are also among the responsibilities of a corporate communications worker, as agreed by 60% of them each.

At 59% each, executive communications as well as crisis & issue management follow. Digital and social media is closely behind at 58%, followed by measuring, monitoring, and analytics at 56%.

PR and media relations as well as brand PR round the list of responsibilities of corporate communication officers, as agreed by 52% and 50% of them, respectively.

39. 46% of corporate communication officers respond to their CEOs.

Other C-level functions that communication seniors most often directly report to include COOs (19%), CMOs (16%), and CFOs (11%). The rest of corporate communication officers respond to other seniors within their organization.

The majority (43%) of communication officers operate in a centralized structure, while respective 31% and 26% have a decentralized or matrixed communication function structure.

40. At 54%, most organizations have corporate communication teams counting 5-9 employees.

Teams with 10-24 and 1-4 members follow at 19% and 15%, respectively. Corporate communication teams counting 25-99 and over 100 employees are the least common, each accounting for 6% of organizations.

When observing parameters like organization size, revenue, and corporate communications budget, team sizes vary substantially across different brackets.

For example, corporate communications teams of 1-4 members are most popular (46%) among organizations with a corresponding budget below $500k, and least popular (4%) among those that allocate over $5 million towards corporate communications.

Teams of 5-9 people are most common (78%) among organizations with a corporate communications budget between $500k and $999k, while least popular (37%) among organizations with over 5,000 employees.

Corporate communications teams with 10-24 people are most popular (34%) among organizations that allocate over $5 million for the same purpose, while least common among those with a budget under $500k.

At 8% each, teams of 25-99 people are most common among organizations with over 5,000 employees, as well as those with corporate communications budgets of $500k-999k, $1 million-$4.9 million, and over $5 million. On the other hand, teams of this size are typically not found among organizations with corporate communications budgets under $500k.

Corporate communications teams with over 100 employees are most common among organizations with over $5 million in corresponding budget allocation, while not typically found among those budgeting $500k-$999k for corporate communications.

Conclusion

So it’s time to wrap up. What can we say?

Communication matters.

It matters in the workplace and it matters in the world. It helps us to be more productive, grow our businesses, and make more sales. It also helps us to avoid workplace drama, get along with others, and create a more pleasant work environment.

With everything we’ve discussed, it should be clear that communication at work is not always easy—and it doesn’t always happen overnight. Whether you’re dealing with a generational divide or just the stress of managing multiple projects at once, understanding your own communication style as well as the styles of those around you is a great way to pave a path toward more effective communication in the workplace.

The journey toward better workplace communication is one that you’ll likely spend your entire career exploring and improving. But by taking time to reflect on how you communicate with others and why, you can make real strides in being an even more effective communicator—both for yourself and for those whose lives you touch at work every day.

The importance of workplace communication is undeniable. It impacts your company culture, your bottom line, and your employees’ happiness. So be sure you’re communicating effectively—and if you find something isn’t working the way you want it to, don’t be afraid to make a change!

We hope you feel as inspired by these stats as we do. If you enjoyed reading this blog post, we encourage you to pass this on to your friends, colleagues, and loved ones.

Thanks again for reading, now get out there, and make your office a better place!

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Sources

If you want to learn more about the data we used here, you can check out the sources below:

• Project.co
• Grammarly
• Edelman

You read that right—over 25 pet travel statistics are coming your way in this blog post. We couldn’t believe it either! There’s a lot to know about the growing popularity of traveling with pets, and we’re so excited to share it with you.

Have you gotten your dog a passport? Are you planning an overnight getaway for your cat? Have you been daydreaming about taking your hamster on vacation? No matter what kind of pet you have, and no matter what kind of travel you’re looking to do with them, we think we’ve got some pretty cool pet travel stats that will make you say “huh,” or maybe even “wow.”

Pet Travel Statistics (Editor’s Picks)

Our readers can’t get enough of our pet travel statistics, and we’re not surprised. It’s hard to find a more charming topic than the adventures humans have with their furry friends, as well as the amazing ways pets help us learn about ourselves.

There’s something for everyone in our latest batch of pet travel statistics but here are the highlights:

• 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets every year.
• 53% of pet owners take their pets when traveling.
• Females are more likely to bring their dogs on vacations compared to males.
• Dogs make up 58% of transported pets worldwide.
• 63.8% of pet owners prefer to travel with their pets by car or pick-up.
• In 2020, 311,149 pets were transported by airlines in the US.
• In 2020, Alaska Airlines transported the most pets out of any airline in the US.
• One in ten pet parents has stashed their pooches in their luggage to get them into a hotel.

General Pet Travel Statistics

1. 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets every year.

(The Roanoke Times)

Pet parents love traveling with their pets. More people view pets as sentient beings who have the same needs as we do, so going on trips with pets has become a trend that many people have found to be fulfilling. It’s not a surprise that the travel industry has also adapted to this trend.

2. 53% of pet owners take their pets when traveling.

(TripAdvisor)

Did you know that almost 53% of people (who own pets) worldwide take their pets with them when they travel?

That’s more than half the world’s pet owner population! This statistic should make you feel proud, as it’s a testament to the fact that we all love our pets and want them in our lives as much as possible. As long as they’re not being harmed by the travel, I think it’s a wonderful idea to bring your pet along on your next trip.

You’d be surprised at how many people are taking their dogs, cats, and other companions on trips. You never know who’s going to be sitting next to you on the bus or plane. And with so many pet-friendly options for lodging and accommodations, it’s no wonder that so many people are traveling with their best friends.

There are so many great reasons for taking your pet on a trip. It can save money on boarding or sitting fees if you would otherwise need to leave your pet somewhere while you’re away—and you can feel more comfortable that your pet is being well cared for by someone who loves them.

If you’re traveling with a dog, they can be a great way to meet people and make new friends! It’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone when they see your dog, and it gives you an immediate shared interest with another person.

Finally, the more experiences you share with your pet, the stronger your bond will be. From road trips to adventures abroad, traveling with your pet is a great way to make sure that they never forget how much they mean to you.

3. Baby Boomers are the most likely generation to take their dogs with them when they travel.

(Rover)

Among dog owners between the ages of 55 to 64, 42% regularly take their pets with them during vacations. Even when they leave their dog at home, a quarter of them prepare homemade treats for their dog to enjoy while they’re away, and an astounding 75% leave behind a piece of their clothing so their dogs won’t miss them too much.

4. Females are more likely to bring their dogs on vacations compared to males.

(Rover)

While 25% of women take their dogs with them when they travel, only 14% of males do the same. This is probably because, according to research, women are more inclined than men to miss their pets when they’re away on vacation.

5. Dogs make up 58% of transported pets worldwide.

(PBS Pet Travel)

40% of households have at least one dog in the US alone. They’re the most popular pets worldwide, so it would only make sense that they make up the biggest chunk of transported pets.

Cats come next, making up 22% of transported pets each year. Thirty-four percent of American households have at least one cat.

6. 42.9% of pet owners love hiking with their pets.

(GoPetFriendly.com)

When respondents in a survey by GoPetFriendly.com were asked what type of vacations they usually enjoy with their animal companion, hiking and going somewhere with fresh air made it to the top of the list.

Other activities included going to dog-friendly beaches (15.4%), going to national parks (18.3%), and booking a hotel in a pet-friendly city (12.5%).

7. Pet-friendly hotels are the top choice of pet-friendly accommodations.

(GoPetFriendly.com)

47.9% of surveyed pet parents prefer staying in pet-friendly hotels when traveling with pets. Otherwise, 35.4% want to stay in RV parks or campgrounds, and 11.3% prefer vacation rentals.

To accommodate this preference, a survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association has found that 60% of hotels in the US allow entry to our four-pawed friends.

8. 7% of people will only consider vacations where their pets can come, too.

(TripAdvisor)

Going on vacation with your pets is becoming more and more common. A recent survey found that 7% of pet owners will only travel to destinations where they can bring their pets, and it’s clear why—why should you have to leave your furry family members behind just because you want to get away?

In-home pet care is an option, but some people don’t trust it. Others have found that when their pets are left alone or with a sitter for too long, the pets can become depressed or even sick. No matter how good a pet sitter is, it’s not the same as being home with you.

And some pets just don’t like being around other animals. So if your dog’s favorite place to be curled up at your feet while you watch TV, why should she have to spend her vacation being walked by strangers at the kennel? If your cat likes to snuggle on your lap when you read at night, why should he be stuck in a room full of other animals?

As the number of travelers who want to bring their dogs on vacation increases, so does the number of dog-friendly hotels and restaurants. Soon there will be even more places for people to visit—all without having to worry about leaving their favorite pets alone.

9. The US has emerged as the most popular travel destination for pets.

(TripAdvisor)

Nothing puts a smile on your face like your pet’s wagging tail, except maybe that gleam in their eye when you say it’s time for a car ride. Whether it’s a trip to the vet, the groomer, or just a quick ride to the park, pets love being with you—and when it comes to travel, pets love the United States as much as tourists do.

According to a survey of pet owners, 61 percent of respondents ranked the U.S. as the country their pets most enjoy visiting. Canada came in a close second, and the U.K. came in third.

Traveling with Pets by Car Statistics

10. 63.8% of pet owners prefer to travel with their pets by car or pick-up.

(GoPetFriendly.com)

Additionally, 28.3% choose an RV or motorhome as their preferred mode of transportation. Unsurprisingly, with all the restrictions, risks, and high fees for air travel, only 6.3% of surveyed pet owners would even consider traveling with their pets on a plane.

11. 56% of dog owners state that they take their dogs on car rides at least once per month.

(Kurgo)

According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Kurgo, almost six out of ten respondents report traveling with their dogs by car at least once per month.

Additionally, a survey by Go Pet Friendly stated that 54.6% of dog owners bring their dogs on car rides more than six times per month.

12. 65% of dog owners admit that they engage in a distracting activity while driving with their pup.

(Kurgo)

While 29% of surveyed dog owners admit that their dog is a distraction for them when they’re driving, 65% actually engage in distracting activities while driving with their dog. The most common one, which 52% of respondents admit to, is petting their dog.

Others are distracted from driving by restricting their dog’s movement, preventing them from coming into the front seat, giving them food or treats, playing with them, or snapping a picture of them.

13. More than four out of five dog owners agree that it is unsafe for a dog to be unrestrained inside a moving car.

(Kurgo)

It’s not only unsafe for the owner; it’s dangerous for the dog as well. When a dog is unrestrained, the owner is more likely to be distracted by it, and it takes only two seconds of not paying attention to the road to double your risk of getting in a car crash. Most dog owners, particularly 83% of them, agree that having an unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle can be unsafe.

14. 84% of dog owners don’t use restraints when driving in a car with their dogs.

(Kurgo)

As you can see in the previous statistic, the majority of surveyed dog owners agree that it’s unsafe for dogs to be unrestrained in a moving vehicle. However, a lot of them still don’t take the proper measures to restrain them. Many dog owners state that they believe their pet to be calm and docile, and do not need restraining while in a car.

15. 7% of dog owners believe that restraining their dogs during car cards is too complicated or causes too much trouble.

(Kurgo)

Dog owners have varied reasons why they don’t restrain their dogs on car rides. It ranges from not believing their dog needs it to wanting to hold their dog. Some dog parents want their pets to be able to enjoy the car ride and put their heads out the window. However, a small percentage doesn’t do it simply for the reason that it’s too complicated.

Traveling with Pets by Plane

16. More than two million live animals and pets travel by plane each year in the US.

(US Department of Transportation)

There are restrictions in place on a state and federal level when it comes to transporting live animals. Moreover, every airline has its own policy for the appropriate handling of the animals they transport. However, ultimately, it is the owner’s responsibility to take proper measures to ensure the safety of their pets and animals upon transport.

17. In 2020, Alaska Airlines transported the most pets out of any airline in the US.

(The Telegraph)

From January 2015 to December 2020, Alaska Airlines transported over 730,000 pets and live animals. In 2020 alone, the airline transported more pets than any of its competitors, with a total of 107,042 transported pets and live animals, without any reported incident of pet loss, death, or injury.

Additionally, Horizon Air, Envoy Air, and Skywest Airlines transported over 10,000 animals in 2020 without any incidents as well.

18. At 0.26, Alaska Airlines had the lowest average incident rate of pet loss, injury, or death from 2015 to 2020.

(The Telegraph)

Incident rates are driven by the loss, injury, or death of a pet during transportation and are calculated per 10,000 pets and animals transported. From 2015 to 2020, Alaska Airlines managed to maintain an average rate of 0.26, which is one of the reasons why it’s the best airline for pet travel.

19. Between 2015 and 2020, Hawaiian Airlines had the highest average incident rate of pet loss, injury, or death.

(The Telegraph)

Out of 55,906 animals and pets transported from January 2015 to December 2020, Hawaiian Airlines had an average incident rate of 2.03. This means that out of 10,000 animals transported, an average of 2.03 were either lost, injured, or had died.

United Airlines came next, with an average incident rate of 1.6 out of 448,654 transported animals and pets during that period.

20. In 2020, 311,149 pets were transported by airlines in the US.

(Veterinarians.org)

The number of pets transported by airlines in the US has been gradually decreasing since 2015 when more than 530,000 pets were transported. In 2016, that number dropped to 520,000 pets, and it has been consistently dropping before reaching only 404,556 pets transported in 2019. Then, this figure dropped by another 24% in 2020, with 311,149 pets boarding US flights.

21. Between 2015 to 2020, the number of deaths reported by US airlines to the DOT reached 112.

(Veterinarians.org)

Among all carriers in the US, United Airlines reported the most pet deaths, with a total of 45 during that period. Delta Air Lines came next, with 27 pets dying on their commercial flights. Lastly, 16 pets died on American Airlines flights. It’s mind-boggling to think about so many incidents of death among pets in airplanes in such a short time.

22. There were 81 reported pet injuries in US airlines between 2015 to 2020.

(Veterinarians.org)

Once again, United Airlines made the top of the list with the highest number of pet injuries during this period. A total of 42 pets were injured on United Airlines flights. Additionally, American Airlines reported 14 incidents of pet injuries, and Delta Air Lines reported 11.

23. Four pets were lost between 2015 to 2020 during flights in the US.

(Veterinarians.org)

Delta Air Lines topped the list this time, with two pets lost from January 2015 to December 2020. Both American Airlines and Alaska Airlines reported to the DOT that they lost one pet during the same period. Thankfully, United Airlines didn’t appear on the list of American carriers who lost pets during their commercial flights.

How Far Do Pet Parents Go to Travel with Their Dogs?

24. 38% of pet owners have driven to their destination with pets instead of flying there without them.

(Rover)

Some dogs are just not fit for air travel, such as those with health issues, snub-nosed breeds like pugs and Boston terriers, or bully breeds like pit bulls. Other times, airlines charge way too much to be able to travel with pets; this is especially true if you have a larger breed of dog. In these cases, pet parents would rather take the time to drive to their destination rather than fly.

25. One in ten pet parents has stashed their pooches in their luggage to get them into a hotel.

(Rover)

Although most hotels are already pet-friendly, some owners are still faced with the dilemma of choosing between bringing their dog and checking into the hotel they like. As a solution, pet parents have often found themselves sneaking their dogs into a hotel by hiding them in their luggage.

26. Around 7% of pet owners have dressed their dogs as service animals, even if they’re not, just to be able to travel together.

(Rover)

Service animals are trained animals that perform tasks to assist differently-abled individuals. They can either be service dogs, emotional support dogs, or therapy dogs.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs can access public places, such as restaurants, stores, and buses. They can even fly in an airplane’s cabin if they meet the airline’s requirements.

Related Questions

What percentage of pet owners travel with their pets?

In the US nowadays, approximately 78% of pet parents travel with them every year. It comes as no surprise that, as a result, the travel industry adjusted to accommodate this trend. For example, more hotels, restaurants, and airlines are now dog-friendly.

How many people travel with their pets each year?

More than 2 million pets and live animals are transported by plane each year in the United States alone, as stated by the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. Worldwide, this number goes up to 4 million each year.

How much does it cost to fly a dog internationally?

The cost varies by the dog’s weight, the airline, and your destination. The minimum cost would be around $800 on the cheaper side and a maximum of around $7,000. Some countries might also need you to hire a third-party pet transportation service, which will add to the bill.

Which country is the most dog-friendly?

According to the dog-friendly country index, Italy is the most dog-friendly country. It ranks well on animal protection, has sufficient veterinarians (525 per million population), has laws on animal rights, has a low risk for rabies, and most importantly, has no known dog meat consumption.

Which airline is the most pet-friendly?

In the US, Alaska Airlines has been deemed the most pet-friendly airline. Aside from having one of the lowest fees and the most flexible pet policies, the airline transported the most number of pets in 2020 with no reported incidents of loss, injury, or death of a pet.

Conclusion

There are lots more pet travel stats out there, but we don’t want to overwhelm you. And so, that’s all for now!

No matter how you slice it, traveling with pets is a growing trend and one that pet owners have shown they’re not willing to give up any time soon.

We hope this collection of statistics helps you better understand the pet travel industry, your own customers and clients, and what opportunities exist for your business.

Thank you for reading this blog post, and please feel free to share this with your friends and family! It’s been a treat having you along our journey.

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Sources

• GoPetFriendly.com
• Kurgo
• PBS Pet Travel
• Rover
• The Roanoke Times
• The Telegraph
• TripAdvisor
• US Department of Transportation
• Veterinarians.org

Tourism is an important part of the economy of countless countries worldwide, including Iceland. Fortunately, Iceland tourism statistics show the location frequently attracts large numbers of culture-seeking travelers from around the globe.

Iceland’s tourism market has been rapidly growing over the years, thanks in large part to the unique experiences the country has to offer, extending from the Northern Lights to the phenomenal arctic circle. As the country continues to invest in new tourism opportunities, there’s plenty of room for new growth in the sector.

If you’ve been thinking of visiting Iceland, you’ve likely seen a few articles touting the wonders of this gorgeous country. With all this buzz, it’s easy to see why so many people dream about heading for Iceland as soon as possible. And if you’re one of those people, today is your lucky day because we’re sharing with you the most alluring Iceland tourism statistics we could find.

This is a great resource if you’re thinking about heading over to Iceland—or even just dreaming about it. We hope you enjoy it!

Iceland Tourism Statistics

The following Iceland tourism statistics offer an insight into the evolution of tourism opportunities in Iceland over the years.

1. As of 2020, Tourism accounted for 14.40% of Gross National Product in Iceland

(World Data)

Tourism is a significant part of Iceland’s economy, accounting for 14.4% of the Gross National Product (GNP) as of 2020.

In Northern Europe, Iceland ranks as the 4^th largest tourist destination. The country generated $3.13 billion in tourism in 2020, accounting for a total of 14.40% of its gross domestic product.

Even in 2020, when the pandemic was causing significant problems in the tourism sector, Iceland recorded a total of 488,000 tourists, ranking around 128^th in the world for the number of tourists.

While the smaller countries naturally rank lower in comparison to the absolute total number of guests, placing tourist numbers in relation to the population offers a clearer picture. According to WorldData.info, Iceland is 37^th in the world for the number of tourists per resident (1.3 tourists to every 1 resident in the country).

2. The average visitor spends $1,257 for a holiday in Iceland

(World Data)

According to research gathered from WorldData.info, Iceland generates around 3% of all international tourism receipts in Northern Europe, making it one of the biggest tourist destinations in the region. The study found the average visitor spends around $1,257 USD for a holiday in Iceland.

The average amount a visitor spends to visit Iceland today is higher than it was ten years ago in 2012 ($1,131), however, it’s also much lower than some previous years. In 2005, visitors spent around $1,480 on a holiday in Iceland.

3. In 2020, Iceland saw a 75.8% drop in the number of visitors to their country.

(Ferdamalastofa)

Though tourism in Iceland continued to some degree during the pandemic, the region did experience significant changes as a result of the pandemic.

According to the Ferdamalastofa research board, only around half a million (486,308) tourists visited Iceland overnight, marking a 75.8% decrease from 2019. Passengers arriving via cruise ships also decreased drastically, by around 99.6% from 2019.

4. 739,065 people visited Iceland for a Holiday from March 2021 to February 2022

(Ferdamalastofa)

Ferdamalastofa’s research revealed around 739,065 visitors (89.7% of the total visitors to Iceland during the period), visited Iceland for a holiday between March 2021 and February 2022. Only around 4.7% of people came to the country to visit friends.

The research also revealed the average length of the stay for all visitors was approximately 7.9 nights, indicating a decrease of around 13.2% from the previous year. People were more likely to stay in the country for longer during July, August, September, and October.

5. Tourist numbers in Iceland are expected to double by the end of 2022

(Schengenvisainfo.com)

Though tourism in Iceland was expected to suffer during the pandemic, the number of visitors has been steadily rising again since the restrictions on travel have begun to diminish.

According to Schengenvisainfo.com, more than 700,000 international tourists visited Iceland in 2021, compared to 2020 figures of around 486,000 travelers.

For 2021, the Iceland tourism board is expecting visitors to double to around 1.3 million international visitors, while the group believes the number could be closer to around 1.5 million in 2023.

Based on the figures gathered by the group, the first month of 2021 achieved a massive 4.8 million overnight stays, indicating around a 47% increase, and strong potential for growth.

6. Akureyri is the most visited tourist destination in Iceland.

(Ferdamalastofa.is)

According to a study done in 2018 by the Icelandic Tourist Board, 38% of foreign tourists visited Akureyri during their trip. This makes it the most frequently visited tourist destination in Iceland.

Akureyri is a small but bustling town in northern Iceland that makes the perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of the country. With so much to see and do, Akureyri is definitely worth paying a visit—especially if you’ve never been before!

The second most frequented destination in Iceland is the Capital Region with a share of 24% of all foreign visitors, followed by Þingvellir (17%), Borgarnes (16%), and Egilsstaðir (15%).

It’s no wonder—the capital city and its surrounding suburbs boast a thriving nightlife, dozens of art and history museums, the infamous Blue Lagoon, and more natural wonders than you can imagine.

From urban adventures like exploring the National Museum of Iceland or taking in a concert at Harpa Concert Hall, to outdoor activities like whale watching or visiting a geothermal beach, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

It’s only five hours from New York City, so it’s become a popular travel destination for people from America looking for a quick trip abroad.

Its geographical location also means that it can be quite dark in winter, but in summer the city experiences nearly 23 hours of daylight.

7. Male visitors account for 52% of the international visitors to Iceland

(Ferdamalastofa.is)

Nearly 52% of Iceland’s international visitors are men, whereas women make up slightly more than 47%.

Iceland is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its incredible glaciers and geysers, breathtaking waterfalls and hot springs, and vibrant history and culture, there’s something in Iceland for everyone.

If you’re a man, Iceland is the vacation destination for you.

That’s right, Iceland has a larger proportion of male visitors (52%) than female visitors (47.8%)

All that rugged landscape and awe-inspiring nature is just waiting for you to conquer it, so go ahead and plan your trip now!

8. The average age of an international visitor to Iceland is 37.3 years.

(Ferdamalastofa.is)

The average age of an international tourist to Iceland is 37.3 years. That’s right—Iceland is a hot destination for travelers, but it doesn’t have the reputation of a party destination like Ibiza or Las Vegas.

Data collected by the Icelandic Tourism Board shows that visitors aged 25-34 years old make up 35.4% of all tourists visiting Iceland, followed by 18.2% who are aged 15-24 years old. 

So there are definitely some young people on vacation, but if you’re looking for an all-night rager, you won’t find it here.

9. During the summer season, Iceland welcomes the highest volume of foreign visitors.

(Ferdamalastofa.is)

Iceland is an amazing place to visit all year round, but it’s true that the country is most popular in summer. That said, the next most popular time of year to visit is winter—which should come as no surprise, given Iceland’s incredible Northern Lights and other winter attractions!

According to the Tourism Board, Iceland sees its highest number of tourists during the summer months (35.4%). The second most popular season is winter with 33.3% of visitors. While this percentage has been holding steady over the years, it is increasing slightly and could become a point of focus for tourism management in the future.

The lowest amount of tourism occurs during the spring and autumn seasons, which have remained fairly stable over time (13.6% and 17.6%, respectively). This indicates that while these seasons are not as popular as summer or winter, they are still attractive to many visitors and likely need to be supported by the local tourism authority.

10. The largest number of foreign visitors to Iceland visit the country in August

(Ferdamalastofa.is)

What do you know about Iceland? Are you that person who immediately thinks of the movie Prometheus, because of the scene where Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender are running away from the monster in the waterfall? It’s okay, we won’t judge.

Do you know what is the best time to visit Iceland?

August is the most popular month for tourists to visit Iceland, according to a study by the Icelandic Tourist Board.

If you’re looking for a vacation that will be out-of-the-ordinary but not too cold or wet, August is the time to go. Even though it only gets up to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit during that month, there are loads of things to do and places to stay. The Blue Lagoon spa is a major attraction, as well as whale watching tours and tours of the Hallgrimskirkja cathedral.

So what are you waiting for? This August, get your passport and head overseas for a warm (but not too warm) experience in one of the most unique countries on earth!

11. Iceland hopes to attract ISK 700 billion in tourist revenue by 2030

(Schengenvisainfo.com)

Iceland expects its tourism industry to earn over 700 billion kroner by 2030.

Authorities in Iceland are working hard to rebuild the tourism industry post-pandemic and increase jobs in creative industries to improve the competitiveness of the region.

According to Schengenvisainfo.com, the country recently created a new ministry to assist the country in reaching a goal of tourists spending ISK 700 billion by 2030.

In 2019, before the pandemic outbreak, Iceland had over 2 million international tourists. However, the Icelandic Tourist Board said the number of businesses in the travel industry may need to grow for the country to achieve spending goals.

The World Travel and Tourism Council believes the world’s travel and tourism industry to reach around $8.6 trillion in 2022, 6.4% behind pre-pandemic figures.

12. 98.4% of visitors visit Iceland through the Keflavik International Airport

(Ferdamalastofa)

Around 478 thousand visitors of the just under half a million tourists arriving in Iceland in 2020 visited the region through flights arriving at Keflavik International airport. According to the Ferdamalastofa website, this represents around 98.4% of the total visitors.

Alternatively, around 6,400 visitors came through Seyðisfjörður, with Norræna, representing around 1.3% of the total. Only around 1,300 visitors (0.3% of the total visitors in Iceland for the studied period) came on flights through Akureyri or Reykjavík Airport.

13. The public budget in Iceland allocated to tourism in 2019 was ISK 2.2 Billion

(OECD Library)

Prior to the pandemic, Iceland was already investing a significant budget into the growth of the tourism sector. In 2019, the overall public budget provided for the tourism sector was ISK 2.2 billion. This money was distributed in a number of different ways throughout the sector.

Around 714.4 million was given to the Icelandic Tourist Board, while a further 544 million was provided to the Tourist Site Protection Fund, according to the OECD library.

1 billion was also delivered to tourism services, of which around 405 million ISK was given to promotion and marketing strategies designed to attract new visitors.

14. The number of people employed in tourism in Iceland dropped between 2019 and 2021

(Statista)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the pandemic and the restrictions imposed on travel between countries around the world led to a number of changes in the tourism landscape for Iceland.

As the number of visitors to the country fell, Statista’s Research Department also found the number of people employed in the tourism sector also reduced.

In 2019, around 32,906 people were employed in the tourism landscape by the third quarter of the year. However, in the second quarter of 2021, only 18,061 people were employed in this industry.

The most significant loss of employment at this time happened in 2020. However, the study also found a rise in employment through 2021, with around 25,000 people employed in the tourism sector by the end of the third quarter.

15. In 2018, tourism accounted for 39% of Iceland’s export revenue

(OECD)

According to reports from the OECD library, the tourism sector played a significant role in Iceland’s export market during the years before the pandemic. As of 2018, tourism was the major export earner in Iceland, accounting for around ISK 520 billion.

The sector also employed around 30,000 people, accounting for 15.7% of the workforce, and travel exports represent around 47.7% of total service exports.

Following 9 consecutive years of growth in tourism arrivals, the trend began to slow in 2019, representing a 14.2% decline from the previous year, due to reduced air access.

16. 80% of tourists in Iceland use rental cars

(Icelandic Travel Board)

According to the Iceland monitor and the Icelandic travel board, foreign travelers visiting Iceland generally prefer to explore the country using rental cars. Around 80% of visitors in total choose to hire a rental car when visiting the most common regions of Iceland.

The report also found that tourists tend to spend more in certain areas of Iceland, with visitors spending the most in Reykjavík, at around ISK 38,000 per day, or $303 USD. In this region, food, recreation, and overnight stays make up the majority of the cost.

17. Departures from Iceland reached 42,600 in June 2021

(Icelandic Tourist Board)

In a report published by the Icelandic Tourist Board in 2021, the departure of foreign passengers reached 42,600 in June, around 7 times more than in 2020, when there were only around 6000 departures in total.

The majority of departures in the country during 2021 came from the United States. US citizens accounted for around half of all departures.

According to the Icelandic Tourist Board study, since the start of the year, around 75 thousand foreign passengers left Iceland in total, representing a 78% decrease compared to the same period the year before, when departures reached around 342 thousand.

The tourist board notes the reduction in departures is likely a result of the pandemic and the problematic changes in travel restrictions imposed since.

18. 37% of Icelanders traveled abroad in 2021

(Icelandic Tourist Board)

The Icelandic Tourist board recently published the results of a new survey among Icelanders on their travel plans for 2022. The survey was conducted by Gallup and the Icelandic Tourist board and found around 37% of Icelanders travelled abroad in 2021.

Though the number of travelers in Iceland was slightly higher in 2021 than in 2020, it was much lower than the number of people traveling abroad in 2019 (around 80% of the population).

Those who did travel abroad went on an average of 1.8 trips, according to the report, around 1 trip less on average than in 2019. Additionally, the number of overnight stays was around 16.2 on average among those traveling from Iceland.

19. 84% of Icelanders traveled domestically during 2021

(Icelandic Tourist Board)

Though travel abroad and into Iceland has suffered over the last couple of years due to the pandemic, the Icelandic tourist board found domestic travel remains strong. Around 84% of Icelanders traveled domestically in 2021, a similar proportion to in recent years.

On average, Icelanders made around 6.5 domestic trips, the same number as in 2019, but slightly more than in 2020. Additionally, around 17.1 overnight stays were spent on domestic travels, and 6.2 day trips were taken.

Around 9 out of 10 Icelanders used the government’s travel gift in 2021, compared to around 63% of all citizens in 2020.

20. Iceland receives the greatest number of foreign visitors from the United States.

(Islandsbanki.is)

According to the Iceland Tourist Board and Islandsbanki.is, the United States delivers the largest number of visitors to Iceland by far.

Approximately 52% of the visitors to Iceland in 2021 (May) were from the United States. This is much higher than the average of 26.6% of visitors coming from the United States between the years 2017 and 2019.

The second-largest percentage of visitors to Iceland in 2021 (May)came from Poland (9.1%), while Germany followed close behind with 6.5%.

Alternatively, visitors from Britain and other parts of the world have dropped significantly since the pandemic. The number of visitors from the UK in 2021 only accounted for 1.2% of all visitors, compared to an average of around 13.6% in previous years.

21. Overnight stay bookings in Iceland increased by 55% between 2020 and 2021

(Hagstofa Islands)

Statistics Iceland found that overnight stays at all kinds of registered accommodation establishments increased significantly between 2020 and 2021. The number of overnight stays rose by around 55%, moving from 3.3 million in 2020 to around 5.1 million in 2021.

Around 60% of the people booking overnight stays in the country during 2021 were from outside of Iceland, and the number of bookings was greater in the Reykjavik area In North Iceland, the number of rooms booked rose by 117.6% from 2020 to 2021.

Notably, around 2.5 million people spent their night in a hotel while around 1.8 million visited another form of registered accommodation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iceland is a beautiful and amazing place. We hope that these Iceland tourism statistics have given you a glimpse of the country that has stolen our hearts!

Iceland is also home to many natural wonders that have made it a popular destination for those looking for off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. While we don’t know if this trend will continue or if it will reverse itself at some point, we do know that Iceland will always be there as an option for those looking for unique travel experiences!

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, it’s time to start getting excited. You might not have known any of the things on this list before, but now you do! Who knows—maybe you’ll be able to use some of these stats to impress your travel companions during your trip.

So take some time to look through the rest of our site and plan the perfect trip for you and your loved ones. Dream about all the things you want to do and see—and enjoy your trip! 

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Sources

• World Data
• Ferdamalastofa
• Schengenvisainfo.com
• Ferdamalastofa.is
• Schengenvisainfo.com
• Ferdamalastofa
• OECD Library
• Statista
• OECD
• Icelandic Travel Board
• Icelandic Tourist Board
• Icelandic Tourist Board
• Islandsbanki.is
• Hagstofa Islands