Welcome to meet GreenGate Incoming – represented by Fríðun and Edward

1) GreenGate Incoming at IBTM and our goals for this year’s show

We are thrilled to be back at IBTM Barcelona, connecting with travel professionals and partners to expand our network and showcase our specialized services. For several years now, we’ve been bringing a taste of the Faroe Islands to Barcelona, and each year we’re driven by our mission to introduce even more travelers to the remarkable experiences our destination has to offer.

At our stand H33 with Visit Faroe Islands, we’re excited to share our latest developments, including new, one-of-a-kind venues and immersive experiences tailored for groups and events seeking an extraordinary setting. From cliffside dining to breathtaking nature excursions, the Faroe Islands offer a “coolcation” destination that is truly in the middle of nowhere, yet at the center of everything for those exploring the North.

Our goal this year is to create more awareness about how we can support event planners, travel agencies, and MICE professionals in crafting unforgettable experiences for their clients – let’s work togetjer to make your “next destination” unforgettable!

2) What’s NEW in the destination, in your company and for yourself:

– Did you create new initiatives or realise innovative ideas through your events this year? Do you have a case study how you did it and what was the most innovational aspect of the program?

Here is our “Innovative Sustainability Initiative”: Community Engagement through Beach Clean-Up Events

This year, our commitment to sustainability inspired us to integrate meaningful community engagement opportunities within our event offerings, providing clients with a chance to “give back” while visiting. Recognizing the desire of our clients to make a positive impact, we introduced community-focused activities, one of which was a highly successful beach-cleaning project.

Case Study: Beach Clean-Up Event
For this initiative, we partnered with local environmental organizations to facilitate a beach-cleaning event that aligned with both our sustainability goals and our clients’ desire for purposeful experiences. This hands-on project was designed to be more than just an activity; it was an opportunity for participants to connect with the community and contribute to lasting environmental improvements.

Innovation in Action
The most innovative aspect of this program was its integration into the broader event experience, which elevated traditional business events by adding a layer of impact-driven participation. Not only did this allow clients to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, but it also encouraged stewardship and left a positive imprint on the local environment.

A total amount on 500 kg of trash was cleaned from the beach this day!

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the chance to contribute to environmental sustainability directly, creating lasting memories and a sense of achievement.

Expanding Impact through Local Partnerships
In line with our long-term sustainability strategy, we are continually working to expand these types of initiatives. We plan to offer more localized community projects tailored to different locations, allowing our clients to contribute in ways that support local needs and foster authentic connections.

– Did you manage any program element in connection with Wool – Water – Wellness (the www of the Faroe Islands) this year, pls describe shortly.

Wool Conference: Celebrating North Atlantic Heritage and Sustainability

This year, we proudly organized the North Atlantic Native Sheep and Wool Conference in collaboration with a local partner, focusing on wool as a key cultural and sustainable element. Held for the 11th time, and the second time on the Faroe Islands, this event brought together farmers, researchers, artisans, and wool enthusiasts to explore the rich heritage of native sheep breeds across the North Atlantic region.

The conference highlighted the “Heritage after the Vikings” theme, tracing the origins of native short-tailed sheep introduced by Vikings to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway, and other North Atlantic areas. The program emphasized the importance of preserving these hardy, climate-adapted breeds and their sustainable wool production, connecting the cultural heritage of the Faroe Islands with a modern commitment to sustainable, small-scale sheep and wool businesses.

Through this event, we celebrated wool not only as a material but as a link between communities and the natural landscape of the North Atlantic.

World New Music Days 2024
The Association of Faroese Composers proudly hosted the ISCM World New Music Days conference and festival across the Faroe Islands from June 21st to July 1st, 2024. This unique gathering combined inspiring discussions and cutting-edge performances, bringing together contemporary music from around the world in the breathtaking Faroese landscape—a fusion of global innovation, culture, and natural beauty. GreenGate had the pleasure of being a part of this unique experience.

– Did you personally learn something about innovation this year that you would like to share and that you wish to commit to in your work? A personal “A Ha” effect so to say?

During the Visit Faroe Islands unordinary meeting week; we had an insightful realization about the power of energizers and icebreakers in enhancing the impact of meetings and conferences. Through our collaboration with one of our conference clients, we observed how these activities, often considered secondary, can significantly improve engagement, foster connections, and set a positive tone for the entire event. Moving forward, we are committed to emphasizing the strategic value of energizers and icebreakers as essential elements in our event planning process. By doing so, we can create a more dynamic, inclusive, and productive atmosphere that truly resonates with all participants.”

– What is the greatest news from 2024 in the Faroe Islands interesting for international meeting planners?

One of the most impactful developments for international meeting planners in 2024 is the strategic agreements made by Atlantic Airways with Icelandair, Air Greenland, and SAS, which will significantly enhance travel options to the Faroe Islands and neighboring northern regions. Additionally, the opening of the new Við Tjarnir venue offers expanded capacity for large-scale conferences, concerts, sports events, and more, further positioning the Faroe Islands as an attractive destination for high-profile events. Complementing these advancements, a new hotel in the North region is set to boost accessibility beyond the capital, benefiting local communities and enriching the overall tourism experience across the islands.