Tourism Sustainability in the Context of Tourists Safety Concerns at “Reynisfjara” Black Sand Beach

Yutong Wang; Thuridur Edda Gunnarsdottir; Marta Dominika Jozwiak; Lilja Dogg Asgeirsdottir; Noel Criscione-Naylor

Tourism Sustainability in the Context of Tourists Safety Concerns at “Reynisfjara” Black Sand Beach

Authors

Yutong Wang Reykjavik University
Thuridur Edda Gunnarsdottir Reykjavik University
Marta Dominika Jozwiak Reykjavik University
Lilja Dogg Asgeirsdottir Reykjavik University
Dr. Noel Criscione-Naylor Stockton University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4193-4964

Keywords:

over-tourism, sustainability, sneaker waves, Reynisfjara Beach, Tourist Safety, Warning System

Abstract

Reynisfjara beach is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations and is often overcrowded with tourists. Reynisfjara beach has a dark side called ‘Sneaker Waves’ that can appear without warning. Twelve serious emergency calls in recent years and five fatal tourist cases have occurred. Warning signs are treated more as tourist information, and many visitors to Reynisfjara beach are more concerned with capturing the perfect photo to post on social media. Social media must play a role in promoting tourism safety. It is essential to start with both visitor safety awareness and the physical facilities of the scenic area and convey this through themost appropriate means.