Visiting Greenland, a land famous for whale watching, trekking on icebergs, and spectacular Northern Lights displays, raises the question, why wouldn't you want to travel there? Nevertheless, tourism in the country is a relatively new industry, and Greenland is eager to expand it.
The country is aiming to diversify its economy. Approximately 90% of its exports originate from the fishing industry, but relying heavily on a single sector is perceived as potentially high-risk.
The government aims to have tourism account for 40 percent of its export value by 2035. Although tourism isn't technically an export, it brings in foreign revenue, which is why it's considered an economic export.
To put that into context, the tourism revenue generated in 2023 (250 million euros) would need to triple in the next decade to come close to 40 percent of Greenland's export value.
activities.
One major reason it will be easier to visit Greenland
There has been an airport in Nuuk since 1979, but its initial runway was too short for large commercial planes to use, thus flights were restricted to smaller turboprop and regional jet aircraft.
The runway has been extended to 2,200 metres, more than double its original length, and a new terminal has been constructed. This has enabled major airlines operating large passenger jets to establish direct flights from the island's capital to various global destinations.
It was previously the case that Nuuk lacked a sufficiently long runway or an appropriate terminal for non-stop flights to Europe or further destinations.
“This implied that Air Greenland’s A330s had to depart from Kangerlussuaq, with most passengers then transferring to flights to Nuuk,” he says. “Nuuk’s improved facilities will be crucial for tourism and economic growth.”
Several airlines have already decided to start serving Nuuk by 2025. United Airlines will introduce a nonstop flight from Newark, located just outside New York on the East Coast of the United States. The route will begin on June 14th, initially planned to operate seasonally until September 25th.
Scandinavian airline SAS is joining the route, with flights from Copenhagen set to start in June. SAS has previously served Greenland on an intermittent basis over the decades, but will now be able to connect the capital with a larger aircraft.
SAS acknowledged its Danish heritage and historical connections to Greenland, stating "with a special humility and pride that we now fully resume this role.” It expressed, “We hope that with our new route to Nuuk, we can support this development and promote growth and employment in Greenlandic society.”
Icelandair and Air Greenland, the country's main airlines, are also operating out of the new airport. Icelandair provides flights to Keflavik, an island airport, while Air Greenland, the country's flag carrier, has established a long-standing route to Copenhagen. Additionally, Air Greenland will begin offering flights to Aalborg and Billund starting in summer 2025.
It's still a relatively early stage for the new airport, but there is considerable optimism that many international airlines will start operating flights from this location.
It's not just Nuuk that's receiving an aviation upgrade. Ilulissat in the north and Qaqortoq in the south are both planning to open an international airport by 2026 with equally long and capable runways. Talks are ongoing about modernizing other airports in Greenland with the goal of making the country more accessible.
What are the reasons behind Greenland's efforts to attract tourists?
Greenland views attracting more tourists as a crucial factor in boosting its economy. The island's remote and sparsely populated location has led it to seek ways to reduce its dependence on the fishing industry, and it recognizes tourism as a promising means of generating additional revenue.
Tourism has started to grow, with a record number of foreign visitors in 2023. Approximately 40,000 people arrived by air, a 9% increase from 2022, and more than 76,000 arrived on cruise ships - almost double the number seen in 2019, before the pandemic.
Statistics from Visit Greenland indicate that in 2023, international tourism generated nearly 1.9 billion Danish kroner (approximately 250 million euros) in revenue for Greenland. Furthermore, tourist arrivals directly created over 1,000 job opportunities.
While the new airport and Greenland's distinctive environment have the perfect formula for tourism success, companies are being cautious about overexciting the market. A promise for sustainable tourism, signed in 2023, ensures that increased tourism corresponds to direct benefits for local residents while preserving vital cultural ties.
There is a strong desire among tourism companies and organizations to have a common, sustainable approach to tourism development," says Visit Greenland's CEO, Anne Nivíka Grødem. "That's why I'm so encouraged that the tourism industry is taking the initiative to set a clear direction for sustainable tourism development that benefits Greenland as a whole.
In Nuuk, the local government is partnering with the tourism sector to increase the number of hotel rooms by 50% by the end of 2030, which will add 500 extra beds. Nevertheless, this won't be achieved immediately, and Visit Greenland's analysis indicates that both Nuuk and Ilulissat may experience a shortage of accommodations in the short term.
What are the top activities to experience in Greenland?
Greenland's breathtaking scenery and unspoiled landscapes are due to its untouched natural surroundings and vast, uncrowded areas. Similar to Iceland, its location within the Arctic Circle offers numerous opportunities for unique experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
Greenland is positioning itself as a prime destination for adventure tourism, and it's clear why. Towering icebergs and ancient glaciers can be explored by boat or kayak. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Greenland's most famous attractions, with massive icebergs breaking off from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier.
Greenland boasts the most ideal 'dark sky' environment globally, thanks to its minimal light pollution, expansive and untouched natural landscapes, and crystal-clear skies. Its high latitude and prolonged, dark winters make it one of the premier destinations worldwide to witness the breathtaking display of the Aurora Borealis.
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities throughout the year here, including dog sledding which is a favorite among both tourists and locals. Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq offer extensive snow-covered trails perfect for sledding, while Tasiilaq in the east provides an authentic Inuit dog sled experience. Skiing and snowboarding are also popular, with the option of heli-skiing for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Opportunities exist to observe some of Greenland's varied wildlife, but the most popular excursions take visitors out to sea to see giant whales in their natural habitat. From Disko Bay and Nuuk, tourists can take a boat tour to observe humpback whales, fin whales, and even minke whales in the Arctic waters.
In addition to its natural attractions, Nuuk and the surrounding towns offer a rich cultural and historical heritage, along with numerous opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and leisurely relaxation.
Greenland's untouched treasures are slowly being uncovered, and with more accessible travel options than ever, it's likely to become a popular destination for many adventurers in the year 2025.