KEF Airport in Iceland has launched what it describes as the world’s first on-site airport tour programme, giving departing passengers the chance to experience Icelandic culture before leaving the country.

Named the Bless Programme – “bless” meaning goodbye in Icelandic – the initiative offers complimentary guided tours lasting between 30 and 45 minutes inside the airport. The programme has been designed as an extra cultural experience for travellers who may not have had time to explore every aspect of Iceland during their trip.

Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, KEF Airport sits within a UNESCO Global Geopark surrounded by volcanic lava fields and rugged coastal scenery. The airport is using this setting as inspiration for a series of tours focused on Icelandic identity through art, food, music and drinks.

One experience, Iceland through Art, takes passengers around the airport to discover more than 20 artworks and design pieces by Icelandic artists and designers. Travellers can see stained-glass installations, ceramic murals and examples of contemporary Icelandic design inspired by the country’s landscapes and natural environment.

The tour is hosted by Hlin Helga Gudlaugsdottir, head of Icelandic design platform DesignTalks, who also works as a designer and exhibition curator.

Food is another focus of the programme. Iceland through Food guides passengers through several airport restaurants where they can sample Icelandic lamb, seafood, skyr and hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the Reykjavík food stand that has become internationally known among visitors to Iceland.

The culinary tour is hosted by Hafliði Halldórsson, who has worked promoting Icelandic cuisine both domestically and internationally, including preparing meals for the president of Iceland and mentoring young chefs.

Music also features heavily in the airport experience. Iceland through Music introduces travellers to Icelandic artists across genres ranging from rock to classical music. The tour is hosted by Sigtryggur Baldursson, former drummer of Icelandic band The Sugarcubes, who now works promoting Icelandic music and culture.

Passengers looking to explore Icelandic drinks can join Iceland through Drinks, hosted across several airport bars. Guests can sample Brennivín snaps, Icelandic gin and Icelandic red wine while hearing stories about the country’s drinking culture and local producers.

The drinks tour is led by Reykjavík bartender Georg Leite, who has spent almost three decades working in Iceland’s bar scene.

Grétar Garðarsson, director of airlines and marketing at Keflavik Airport, says: “As the main hub for international travellers to Iceland, KEF Airport has always strived to ensure that visitors are welcomed with unrivalled Icelandic charm that leaves passengers not wanting to say goodbye.”

He adds: “Our guests are always wanting to get under the skin of a location but might find themselves unable to fit everything into their trip – we don’t want anyone to feel as if they’ve missed out. The Bless Programme has therefore been designed specifically to offer insight into our world here in Iceland, curating experiences that incorporate our wonderful bars, restaurants and other spaces that really showcase Iceland’s character through food, drink, art and music.“

Garðarsson also highlights the programme’s collaboration with local cultural figures. “For the series, we are collaborating with some exceptional individuals who are world-class experts in their craft, so we’re excited about the ability for more people to come away from Iceland having had a really unique experience.”

The launch reflects a wider trend for airports to position themselves as destinations in their own right rather than simply transit hubs. Increasingly, airports are investing in cultural programming, wellness facilities and entertainment designed to extend the travel experience beyond the flight itself.

For Iceland, the Bless Programme also offers a way to reinforce the country’s national identity at the final stage of the visitor journey, turning waiting time at the airport into another tourism experience.