Cozy and welcoming traditional Icelandic style turf buildings offering travelers high quality tech savvy service solutions. Laufey Welcome Centers are designed to harmonize with local surrounding neighborhoods around the country.
Open 24/7 and featuring interactive information, charging stations for electronic cars and devices, clean restrooms, a local market and Iceland’s first multilingual touchscreen vending store offering a variety of products such as hot and cold drinks, healthy food, travel necessities and souvenirs.
Since the centers are always open the parking lots will become an ideal location for overnight stays. The parking lot will feature dedicated camper and RV parking with access to electricity, and facilities for grilling and washing machines. Dumpsters will be nearby allowing visitors to dispose of garbage for recycling and RVs able to dispose of waste.
TARGET LOCATIONS
360° VIRTUAL TOUR
Here below you can take a 360° virtual reality tour of one of the core centers, Laufey Bakki,
a double center with a custom-designed restaurant building for the beautiful Westman Islands.
CHARGING STATIONS
Iceland is in prime position to become a world leader in the vehicle fleet energy exchange revolution due to abundant renewable energy, ambitious governmental objectives and positive steps taken towards sustainability.
Our goal will be to play a key role in this exciting revolution with a series of next generation energy stations. The stations will provide weary travelers with amenities to charge all their energy consuming devices while enjoying a variety of services inside a warm welcome center.
INTERACTIVE INFORMATION
Inside the centers are interactive information touch screens where visitors can access useful information about interesting destinations and services offered in the surrounding neighborhood. The information will be available in several languages along with photos and videos. Visitors will also be able to book tours and accommodations directly through the screens.
Companies, associations, organizations and clubs will be offered to advertise their products, services and special offers.
STATE OF THE ART VENDING
Laufey’s smart vending machines are connected to the internet and inventory monitored remotely. The payment system is displayed on a touch screen allowing users to view photos with product information in several languages. The vending machines are equipped with a variety of products, including hot and cold drinks, groceries, souvenirs and travel necessities. Emphasis is placed on quality products at low prices.
SELF-CLEANING REVOLVING TOILETS
SAFETY & SECURITY
The centers will be monitored by security cameras and additionally offer shelter in the case of unexpected events, e.g. storms or natural disasters. Safe Travel safety monitors update travelers on changes in weather and road conditions, including road closures, accidents, heavy winds, volcanic eruption and avalanches. Information screens will play instructional videos on how to drive in varying weather conditions, e.g. in snow or on gravel, as well as how to proceed in hazardous situations.
First-aid supplies will be available at the vending machines. In the event of an actual emergency, first-aid supplies and emergency equipment can immediately be made available remotely through the vending machines, either at a discount or free of charge.
All restrooms are equipped with emergency buttons and accessible restrooms include additional safety features for the blind and visually impaired. As a result, the service centers help improve travel facilities for those with disabilities.
GALLERY
THE TEAM
Halldór Pálsson
VICE CHAIRMAN
Halldór was a leading insurance salesman in Iceland before he began his publishing career, publishing world-class educational books about eighteen countries in several languages.
Halldór has also mastered the art of selling promotional material and advertising slots, and is excited to lead the sales team for this project.
Halldór was one of the founding members of ABC Children‘s Aid.
Sveinn Waage
OPERATIONS & MARKETING
Sveinn is an accomplished veteran in international marketing. Work includes award winning campaigns for Inspired by Iceland – official tourism board and a new marketing platform for the global leaders in digital banking, Meniga.
Four year as a brand manager for Icelands biggest wholesale and manufacturer Ölgerðin. Sveinn has a degree in Marketing and PR from the University of Reykjavik and several other university level courses and diplomas. Sveinn is also known in Iceland as a beer expert and a part time teacher at the renowned Beer school.
Davíð Elí Halldórsson
GENERAL MANAGER
Davíð was the managing director of the promotional company Kaja Studios, which he ran with his father, Halldór, for over a decade, where he produced over 500 videos both in Iceland and Faroe Islands. David has extensive experience recruiting and managing online freelancers through the largest freelancer marketplace in the world, Upwork.