More than 630,000 American tourists who visit Iceland each year are being urged not to consume whale meat during their vacation in Iceland; instead, they are encouraged to appreciate whales alive and wild at sea. Most Icelanders do not eat whale meat, and the vast majority of it is consumed by the 2.3 million foreign tourists who visit Iceland each year.
The “For the Love of Iceland” campaign, initiated by Iceland’s Hvalavinir (Whale Friends) and Humane World for Animals, aims to protect whales by encouraging tourists to appreciate them through ethical tourism rather than consuming them as food. Visitors are invited to demonstrate their support by taking the #fortheloveoficeland pledge.
The United States accounts for the largest percentage of foreign visitors to Iceland. Despite this, whale meat is often misleadingly marketed to tourists as an Icelandic delicacy, even though less than 2% of Icelanders consume it.
Hvalavinir has distributed #fortheloveoficeland pledge cards at hotels and tourist information centers throughout Iceland. They have also launched a virtual online pledge, informing travelers that eating whale meat is not an authentic aspect of Icelandic culture. The campaign encourages visitors to respect and protect Iceland’s wildlife by refusing to eat whale meat or frequent restaurants that serve it.
“Six times as many foreign tourists visit Iceland than the population of the entire country, with U.S. travelers leading the pack. Whale consumption is rejected by the vast majority of Icelanders and is certainly not an authentic part of the Icelandic experience,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “It is cruel and senseless, and tourists have the choice either to condemn whales by eating them or save them by viewing them in their natural habitat. Our message to American tourists is clear – help save these beautiful, majestic animals and leave endangered wildlife off your plate.”
Iceland, Norway, and Japan are the only countries in the world that continue commercial whale hunting. Last year, whaling permits were issued in Iceland to allow the killing of up to 2,130 whales over five years—209 endangered fin whales and 217 minke whales each year from 2025 to 2029—despite clear evidence that some whales killed in Icelandic hunts experienced prolonged deaths, in violation of Iceland’s Animal Welfare Act.
“Iceland is famous for its breathtaking wild landscapes and amazing wildlife. Killing whales is not part of Icelandic culture; in fact, it wasn’t until 1948 that Iceland had its first whaling company. Our culture is truly rooted in respecting and protecting whales and the ocean,” said Valgerður Árnadóttir from Hvalavinir Whale Friends. “So, together with Humane World for Animals, we urge foreign visitors, instead of eating whale meat, to come and have a truly authentic Icelandic experience by marveling at the beauty of whales and watching them at sea in their natural habitat. There are plenty of ethically responsible whale watching excursions that allow you to witness the beauty of whales alive and free in the sea.”
Icelandic foreign tourism data for 2024 – 2025 shows that the top 10 countries to visit Iceland (in order) are: the U.S., the UK, Germany, China, Poland, France, Italy, Canada, Spain and the Netherlands.
U.S. tourists can take the #fortheloveoficeland pledge HERE, as well as in person while visiting Iceland, by following these simple steps:
- Pick up a #fortheloveoficeland pledge card at local hotels or tourist information centers.
- Hold the pledge card up at your favorite scenic view in Iceland and during a whale-friendly experience.
- Take a photo and post it on social media tagging @Hvalavinir, @HumaneWorldForAnimals, #ForTheLoveOfIceland, and #WildlifeFriendlyIceland.
