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Tourist Site Protection Fund, applications for 2026-2027

The Tourist Site Protection Fund supports projects for tourist destinations and tourist routes in Iceland owned or managed by municipalities and private parties.

The applications are only available in Icelandic.

Application period

The application deadline is 1 pm on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Special emphasis 2026-2027

In this year's allocation, special emphasis is placed on less-visited areas and extending the tourist season. The quality assessment of applications will take this emphasis into account. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the fund's new quality assessment form on the Icelandic Tourist Board website.

Applications

Applicants are asked to choose either form I or II depending on the nature of their project.

I. Service/facilities at tourist site or tourist route

These include:

  • A project in a place that is not already defined as a tourist destination but that the person concerned is interested in making - a new development.

  • New services or facilities at a already defined tourist destination. The project will increase the performance of the site/area and/or relate to safety or nature protection.

II. Improvements for nature conservati

on and/or safety at tourist sites or routes

These include:

  • Projects involving the improvement or repair of existing facilities at a tourist site related to safety or nature conservation.

  • Increased capacity at the reception of tourists but the level of service is not increased. In the case of planning and/or construction permits, then you must choose form I - (New) service/facilities at a tourist site / tourist route.

Grants from the Tourist Site Protection Fund - improvement and/or safety

The fund may support projects relating to:

  • The safety of tourists.

  • Nature conservation and development.

  • Maintenance and protection of structures and nature.

  • Funding for the preparatory and design work necessary for the abovementioned projects. The proposed project shall be described in the application in such a way as to enable an assessment of its eligibility for funding.

The fund is not permitted, among other things, to:

  • Cover the operating costs of structures and for nature conservation areas or other tourist sites.

  • Finance projects that are part of the national plan for infrastructure development for the protection of nature and cultural heritage sites.

  • Provide funding for projects that have already been completed.

See further information

Information for applicants from the Icelandic Tourist board


Regarding login

Note that the login time in the application system is 45 minutes from the moment you click on the "Continue" button. After that, the applicant must log in again. We strongly recommend clicking on the "Continue" button regularly in order for the applicant to remain registered.