The tiny Nordic nation closed to tourists for a weekend in April 2019, except for visitors who wanted to help with a series of maintenance projects such as creating new paths, constructing viewpoints and putting up signs.

Such has been the success of this initiative, the Faroe Islands government has decided to run the Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism project again on 16-17 April 2020, when 14 of the most popular tourist sites will be closed to the general public.

The Faroes has seen a 10% growth in visitor numbers in recent years and now receives 110,000 arrivals per year.

The destination is now looking to recruit 100 participants to work alongside local people on a variety of projects next spring.

Volunteers will receive free accommodation, food and transport over the three-night maintenance period from 15-17 April. All they have to do is pay for their own travel to the islands.

This year’s initial maintenance project saw more than 3,500 applications from around the world for the 100 free places.

Registration to become part of the maintenance crew has just opened – more information is available through the Visit Faroe Islands website.