Game of Thrones helps Iceland’s brand becoming the fastest-growing on Earth

Game of Thrones is well-known for helping out the economies of the countries where it shoots. Northern Ireland, the nerve center of filming, has received a huge influx of tourism dollars and interest from production companies. The Game of Thrones effect is felt all over the globe, including in Iceland, where the show returned last year to film extensive scenes beyond the Wall.

In fact, according to a new report from Brand Finance, Iceland’s brand is growing faster than any other in the world, soaring 83% over last year with no signs of stopping. That’s particularly good news for a nation hit especially hard by the financial crisis of 2008. Per the report, a lot of the growth can be traced back to a familiar source. “Thanks to the hit television show, Game of Thrones, which films most of its winter scenes in Iceland, the country has seen a record 1.8 million foreign visitors in 2016, up 40% from 2015.”

And keep in mind: this is from before anyone saw Jon Snow and crew go on their wight-hunting mission in season 7. I can only imagine interest is even higher now that fans can take in some of the Icelandic vistas on display in “Beyond the Wall.”

Obviously, most of the new revenue is being pumped into the country’s tourism industry, “at the expense of the traditionally dominant fishing sector.” Stay strong, fisherfolk. With more people migrating to the country, we’re sure there’s room for multiple industries to grow. The question now is whether show returns to Iceland for season 8. We’ll stay tuned.