greenland tourism numbers

Greenland Is Approaching Tourism Slowly—And Taking Lessons from Iceland

By Stephanie Vermillion

With towering icebergs, unspoiled tundra, and unbeatable views of the aurora borealis, Greenland has all the makings of a tourist hot spot—not unlike where Iceland was a decade ago. In the following years, Iceland marketed its raw, pristine beauty, and tourism numbers spiked from 460,000 to over 2 million between 2010 and 2018, effectively turning the destination into the poster child of overtourism .

Greenland, a fragile Danish territory with one of the world’s two permanent ice sheets, wants tourists, but it has no desire to become Iceland 2.0. It’s been taking notes to ensure its own travel push yields sustainable results by prioritizing local jobs and protecting its ecosystems.

Upernavik, a small town in western Greenland

“Doing this [planning] before it becomes a crisis is always a good thing,” says Tracy Michaud, a hospitality and tourism professor at the University of Southern Maine. Michaud is part of the new Arctic Education Alliance , a partnership between the U.S. and Greenland that supports the island’s sustainable tourism and hospitality industries.

“It’s unique to still have this whole land mass that’s [nearly] 90 percent Indigenous,” says Michaud. “That’s really valuable to this world, so how do you preserve and maintain it while building in a way that allows visitors to enjoy and be part of it, too?”

New attractions dedicated to culture and climate

The first lesson in combating overtourism: Move travelers beyond the main sights—advice we’ve heard from Iceland’s own tourism leaders before . Greenland’s tackling this with a host of strategically dispersed attractions located beyond top sights like Kangerlussuaq, the most easily accessed international travel hub, where visitors can enjoy attractions like walking on the island’s headliner ice cap before jet-setting straight home.

“Each region will have its own visitor center and a specific regional theme, promoting the variability of cultural, geological, culinary, and historical elements each place has to offer,” says Visit Greenland Senior Manager Idrissia Thestrup.

In Ilulissat, a coastal town with colorful houses flanked by icebergs the size of skyscrapers, it’s all about the ice. The town, accessible via seasonal flight, ferry, or cruise, will soon open the Ilulissat Icefjord Center , a sleek new visitor center overlooking the Ilulissat Icefjord, one of few destinations where Greenland’s ice cap meets the sea. This venue, the first of Greenland’s new visitor-center offerings, is projected to open in summer 2021. It will pair iceberg views with educational exhibits that highlight Greenland’s cultural connection with ice while illustrating the stark reality of climate change.

Ilulissat Icefjord Center, a new visitor center that overlooks the area where Greenland's ice cap meets the sea

Themed visitors centers across the territory will follow Ilulissat’s lead, as will local-led experiences like the highly anticipated Qaqortoq Arctic Culture Center, a reindeer reserve and cultural hub with overnight accommodations, set to open as soon as fall 2022.

Thestrup says new hotels are also in the works, while more than 100 existing tourist accommodations stand ready to welcome travelers, from farm stays and hostels to Ilulissat’s four-star Hotel Arctic , an ocean-view getaway with rooms and isolated igloos overlooking the nearby icefjord.

Enhancing transportation will improve the Greenland experience

Greenland’s 836,300-square-mile island, slightly larger than the size of Mexico, has 56,000 people, only 100 miles of roads, and no railways. The ice sheet covers the majority of inland Greenland; its towns and settlements dot the coasts. Locals rely on the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry to move up and down the iceberg-laden western coast. This 12-town, often multi-day ferry ride does welcome tourists, but most travelers prefer the ease of visiting Greenland via organized cruise ships.

Thestrup says the territory hopes its towns will welcome more expedition cruises as its tourism grows. “[Expedition-cruise passengers] stay longer in the destination, they spend more in the destination, and they’re more aware about sustainability issues,” she says.

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Attracting travelers who arrive on their own is another goal for Greenland tourism. That’s where new aviation investments come into play.

Ilulissat is scheduled to get an international airport as early as 2023. 

The territory’s existing air-travel options are limited, with overseas routes from Copenhagen and Reykjavik. Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, the territory’s main international hub, is the dominant route. Intermittent and seasonal flight options exist between Reykjavik and Nuuk or Ilulissat, and within Greenland, but small runways and low passenger numbers have made inter-island travel more difficult.

New international airports in Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Qaqortoq should change that. Airport construction was delayed due to COVID-19, but some aviation experts anticipate Nuuk and Ilulissat’s international airports could still open as early as 2023.

Keeping the kroner in local pockets

Another pillar of Greenland’s tourism plan is prioritizing local businesses. In Greenland, where the population is nearly 90 percent Inuit and millennia-old industries such as fishing and mushing are changing with the climate, this local-first approach is essential.

“Traditional livelihoods are disappearing, and it’s not a country where you have a lot of industry that allows locals to go from traditional livelihoods to new industries,” Thestrup says. “It’s either tourism or mining, and the locals are very much aware that tourism will have a less negative impact on their country and culture than mining would.”

What’s more, tourism provides a way to keep Greenland’s nearly 4,500-year-old Inuit culture alive. Some Greenlanders now mix traditional work like fishing with part-time tourism jobs to make ends meet.

“Tourism, when it's developed right and done sustainably, can be a really powerful tool for the economy and communities,” says Michaud. “There’s a lot of [economic] opportunity that doesn’t necessarily involve exploitation of resources. Greenland cares about and understands that, and they’re trying to develop from this perspective.”

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Greenland Wants You to Visit. But Not All at Once.

The Arctic island, renowned for its glaciers and fjords, is expanding airports and hotels to energize its economy, even as it tries to avoid the pitfalls of overtourism.

By Gabriel Leigh

“The weather decides”: It could almost be the motto of Greenland. Visitors drawn to this North Atlantic island to see its powder blue glaciers, iceberg-clogged fjords and breathtakingly stark landscapes quickly learn to respect the elements, and they’re sometimes rewarded for it.

One cold December day, I was waiting for a delayed flight in Kangerlussuaq , a former U.S. military base just above the Arctic Circle, when a friendly Air Greenland pilot named Stale asked if I’d like to join him on a drive to the harbor to “pick up some musk ox heads.” The offer seemed very Greenlandic, so how could I refuse?

By early afternoon, it was already getting dark. We hopped into a pickup truck and headed down a long, icy road. At the water’s edge, Stale picked up a musk ox skull — they are kept as trophies, and the horns can be valuable for carving and toolmaking. Then we drove up a snow-covered mountain. The full moon illuminated the fjord below. Next to it, the town looked like a lunar base: a small pocket of human activity nestled in a seemingly infinite void.

I had arrived in Kangerlussuaq earlier that day aboard Air Greenland’s first brand-new jet, an A330neo fresh from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. The airport in Kangerlussuaq is one of few in Greenland with runways long enough to accommodate large jets. From there, travelers must switch to smaller turboprops to continue onward, including to the capital, Nuuk — where I was eventually headed — or Ilulissat , a town whose icy fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site. When the Airbus jet, also carrying the prime minister of Greenland, landed, hundreds of people waving red-and-white Greenlandic flags greeted us.

Kangerlussuaq

The new jet is part of a plan to invigorate the island’s tourism industry. Greenland, which is part of Denmark but has autonomy over most domestic affairs, is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation, building new runways and terminals in Nuuk and Ilulissat. If all goes according to the government’s plan, large jets could bring international visitors directly to these towns by 2024.

The 35-year-old prime minister, Mute B. Egede, who supports eventual independence from Denmark, sees tourism as a way to build economic self-sufficiency. The government has banned all oil exploration and has been cautious about expanding mining despite the potential for profits: It blocked the development of one rare-earth mining project over fears about uranium contamination.

“We need to have more growth,” Mr. Egede told me before the flight departed. “Right now most of our money comes from fisheries. We need some other income possibilities, and tourism is one of the key potentials for future growth in Greenland.”

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is roughly three times the size of Texas but has only about 57,000 residents. In the first three quarters of 2022, it attracted just under 55,000 visitors, according to Visit Greenland, the national tourism authority, and nearly 37,000 of them came from Denmark. Only 2,430 Americans visited Greenland in that period. Direct flights from the United States could mean a big influx.

The chief executive of Air Greenland, Jacob Nitter Sorensen, told me last year that the airline has North America in its sights, with New York as a top destination. That would put Nuuk just a four-hour hop away from the U.S. East Coast, meaning Americans would no longer need to backtrack from Copenhagen. (Nearly all flights to Greenland currently pass through the Danish capital.)

But a sudden surge of tourists could strain Greenland’s limited infrastructure, and challenge what makes the island special. Visitors come to experience its remoteness. Fly down the west coast and you’ll pass countless fjords and glaciers crowded only with birds and reindeer. You’re more likely to spot wildlife like humpback whales, narwhals, polar bears and musk oxen than to see a tour bus. Some locals worry about becoming the next Iceland, which has struggled to cope with hordes of tourists and rising prices as that island’s popularity has exploded in the last decade.

For now, those fears seem distant. Tourists are rare, and the weather still makes the rules. When I finally got to Nuuk, I had planned to go on a snowshoe trek in the mountains outside town and take a boat trip to see the fjords. I had also booked a special dinner of traditional Greenlandic cuisine — a menu that might have included food like reindeer, whale, musk ox, and Arctic herbs and berries. But lack of snow put a stop to the trek, high winds canceled the boat trip, and the dinner was called off because there weren’t enough other customers.

But at least one plan seemed to remain intact. I had booked a night in a “glass igloo” at the edge of town and was looking forward to the private hot tub and sauna — with views of the nearby bay and mountains — on its deck.

When I arrived in a taxi from the airport a few hours late, I found the place shut. It was frigid, the paths slick and treacherous. As the taxi sped away, I tried to call the hostel. Nobody answered.

Then, just as I was gearing up for the long walk up the icy hill to find a main street and hopefully another place to stay, a car pulled up, and Gerth Poulsen, a co-owner of the igloo, got out. Mr. Poulsen showed me around, turned on the hot tub, handed me a pack of peanuts and a Greenlandic beer, and drove back into the night, leaving me alone in my glass igloo. With panoramic views of the rugged landscape, it felt a bit like camping, but with a very effective heating system.

The island’s tourist infrastructure remains somewhat limited, but officials hope to change that by the time the new runways and terminals open next year. “There’s a great pressure to have more destinations ready when it comes to hotels, restaurants and experiences,” said Anne Nivika Grodem, the chief executive of Visit Greenland. “And it must be based on our values, to ensure a sustainable development.” With jet travel a major contributor to global warming, a destination famous for its ice and snow will have to strike a difficult balance.

Greenland is still a place where “the weather decides” can be a liberating mantra — once we accept that we’re powerless to do anything about the weather, we can give up control. And when we do, anything can happen.

For me, a delayed flight turned into an expedition onto a mountain. And then in Nuuk, with my packed schedule of outings wiped clean, I was free to wander, ducking into a pub that seemed straight out of old Denmark, dining on a plate of surprisingly affordable giant snow crab legs, and visiting the national museum to learn how Indigenous Greenlanders thrived in the harsh conditions a thousand years ago, long before the kind of heat I had in that igloo.

It wasn’t exactly the Greenlandic experience I’d planned, but it was the kind of adventure that endures.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Tourism in Greenland 

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Tourism in Greenland is growing in popularity, but why? Why is this industry so important and how should it best be managed? Read on to find out…

Tourism in Greenland

Greenland, the world’s largest island, beckons as a realm where nature’s grandeur meets timeless traditions. With its expansive ice caps juxtaposed against fjords, and the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights, Greenland promises an unparalleled travel experience. This article offers an insightful foray into Greenland’s tourism landscape, revealing a destination where nature’s wonders and rich cultural tapestry come to life.

Geographical overview of Greenland 

Greenland is the world’s largest island and is located in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the North American continent and is politically a territory of Denmark. The island covers an area of approximately 2,166,086 square kilometres, making it the world’s largest non-continental island.

The majority of Greenland’s land is covered in ice, with the Greenland Ice Sheet covering approximately 80% of the island’s surface. The ice sheet is up to 3 kilometres thick in some places and holds the world’s second-largest reserve of freshwater after Antarctica.

The coastline of Greenland is extremely rugged and indented, with many fjords, bays, and small islands. The country’s western coast is particularly mountainous, with peaks reaching over 3,000 metres in height. The eastern coast is less mountainous, with a number of large, flat-topped mountains and valleys.

Greenland’s climate is classified as Arctic, with cold temperatures and short, cool summers. The coastal areas of the island are generally milder than the interior, where the ice sheet dominates.

In terms of flora and fauna, Greenland has a relatively limited range of plant and animal life due to its harsh climate and largely ice-covered landscape. However, there are a few species of Arctic plants and animals that are adapted to the extreme conditions, including musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and polar bears. Additionally, the waters surrounding Greenland are home to a variety of marine life, including whales, seals, and fish.

The tourism industry in Greenland 

Greenland is a unique and increasingly popular destination for tourists who are seeking an authentic Arctic experience. Due to its remote location and pristine natural environment, Greenland offers visitors a chance to experience a truly untouched wilderness.

The tourism industry in Greenland is still relatively small, but it is growing steadily each year. The country offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors, including hiking, dog sledding, skiing, wildlife watching, cultural experiences with the indigenous Inuit people, and the opportunity to witness the spectacular Northern Lights.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Greenland is the town of Ilulissat, which is located on the west coast of the country and is home to the famous Ilulissat Icefjord. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking sight and offers visitors the chance to witness huge icebergs calving from the glacier and floating out to sea.

Other popular tourist destinations in Greenland include the capital city of Nuuk, which has a rich cultural heritage and offers a range of cultural experiences and attractions, and the town of Kangerlussuaq, which is located near the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet and offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.

The tourism industry in Greenland is still relatively small, but it is seen as an important economic driver for the country’s future. The government of Greenland is actively working to promote sustainable tourism practices that respect the fragile natural environment and the cultural traditions of the Inuit people.

Statistics about tourism in Greenland 

The tourism industry in Greenland is still relatively small compared to other countries, but it is growing steadily each year. Here are 10 key statistics about tourism in Greenland:

• In 2019, Greenland received approximately 37,000 tourists, which represents a 10% increase from the previous year.
• The majority of tourists to Greenland come from Europe, particularly Denmark, which is Greenland’s colonial power, and other Nordic countries.
• The tourism industry in Greenland generates approximately 3% of the country’s GDP.
• The number of cruise ships visiting Greenland has been increasing in recent years, with 70 cruise ships visiting in 2019, up from 35 in 2010.
• The most popular tourist destinations in Greenland are the towns of Ilulissat, Nuuk, and Kangerlussuaq.
• The average length of stay for tourists in Greenland is approximately 8 days.
• In 2019, the most popular activities for tourists in Greenland were hiking and cultural experiences with the Inuit people.
• The tourism industry in Greenland is seen as an important economic driver for the country’s future, with the government actively working to promote sustainable tourism practices.
• The majority of accommodations in Greenland are small guesthouses and hotels, with a limited number of larger chain hotels.

Most popular tourist attractions in Greenland 

Greenland is a vast and beautiful country with a wide range of natural and cultural attractions. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Greenland:

• Ilulissat Icefjord: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in western Greenland and is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, which is one of the most active and productive glaciers in the world. Visitors can take boat tours to see the glacier and its many icebergs up close.
• Nuuk: As the capital city of Greenland, Nuuk is the largest city in the country and offers visitors a mix of modern amenities and traditional Inuit culture. Visitors can explore the National Museum of Greenland, the Nuuk Art Museum, and the Katuaq cultural centre.
• Disko Island: This island off the west coast of Greenland is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Visitors can take boat tours to see humpback whales, seals, and seabirds, or hike the island’s many trails to see the stunning glaciers and mountains.
• Qaqortoq: This picturesque town is located in southern Greenland and is known for its colourful houses, charming harbour, and rich history. Visitors can explore the town’s museums and galleries, or take a boat tour to nearby hot springs.
• Kangerlussuaq: This former U.S. military base is now a popular tourist destination and serves as the gateway to the Greenland Ice Sheet. Visitors can take guided tours of the ice sheet, or explore the nearby Russell Glacier.
• Uunartoq Hot Springs: These hot springs are located on an island in southern Greenland and are accessible only by boat. Visitors can soak in the warm waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
• Northern Lights: The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that can be seen from many parts of Greenland during the winter months. Visitors can take guided tours to see the Northern Lights and learn about the science behind this spectacular light show.
• Sisimiut: This town is located on the west coast of Greenland and is known for its traditional Inuit culture and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike the nearby mountains, go fishing, or take a dog sled tour.
• Qeqertarsuaq: This small town is located on an island off the west coast of Greenland and is known for its stunning fjords and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the town’s many historic buildings and museums, or take a boat tour to nearby glaciers.
• East Greenland: This remote and sparsely populated region of Greenland is known for its stunning scenery and wildlife. Visitors can take guided tours to see polar bears, walruses, and other Arctic wildlife, or explore the region’s many glaciers and fjords.

Most popular types of tourism in Greenland 

Greenland offers a unique and remote destination for tourists seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Here are some of the most popular types of tourism in Greenland:

• Adventure Tourism: Greenland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and adventure tourism is one of the most popular types of tourism in the country. Activities such as hiking, kayaking, and dog sledding are popular among tourists looking for an adrenaline rush.
• Ecotourism: As a remote and largely untouched destination, ecotourism is a growing trend in Greenland. Tourists can explore the country’s vast and pristine wilderness areas, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and learn about sustainable practices for preserving the environment.
• Cultural Tourism: Greenland has a rich cultural heritage, with many Inuit communities still living a traditional way of life. Tourists can visit local villages, meet with Inuit elders, and learn about the country’s history and cultural practices.
• Northern Lights Tourism: The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that can be seen from many parts of Greenland. Northern Lights tourism is growing in popularity, with tourists coming to Greenland during the winter months to witness this spectacular light show.
• Cruise Tourism: Greenland is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many visitors arriving by boat to explore the country’s many fjords, glaciers, and coastal towns.
• Photography Tourism: With its stunning natural landscapes and unique culture, Greenland is a popular destination for photographers. Tourists can capture images of the country’s glaciers, icebergs, wildlife, and traditional Inuit communities.
• Skiing and Snowboarding: Greenland has several ski resorts and backcountry skiing areas that attract tourists looking for a winter sports adventure.
• Fishing Tourism: Greenland is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with tourists coming to the country to fish for salmon, trout, and Arctic char.
• Wellness Tourism: With its clean air, pristine nature, and remote location, Greenland is an ideal destination for tourists seeking a wellness experience. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and yoga, or relax in hot springs and spas.
• Research Tourism: Greenland is also a popular destination for researchers and scientists studying climate change, Arctic ecology, and other environmental topics. Visitors can participate in research expeditions and learn about the latest scientific discoveries in the region.

Economic impacts of tourism in Greenland

Tourism has the potential to be a significant source of revenue for Greenland’s economy. Here are some of the economic impacts of tourism in Greenland:

• Job creation: The tourism industry creates jobs in various sectors, including transportation, accommodation, food and beverage services, and tour operations. These jobs provide income and employment opportunities for local residents.
• Increased revenue: Tourism generates revenue through taxes, fees, and direct spending by tourists. This revenue can be used to support local infrastructure development and community services.
• Diversification of the economy: Tourism provides an opportunity for Greenland to diversify its economy beyond traditional industries such as fishing and mining.
• Small business development: Tourism can provide opportunities for small businesses to thrive, such as local tour operators, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
• Improved standard of living: The revenue generated by tourism can improve the standard of living for local residents by providing funds for community development, education, and healthcare.
• Preservation of cultural heritage: Tourism can provide incentives for the preservation of cultural heritage sites and traditions, which can promote local pride and community engagement.
• Increased foreign investment: A thriving tourism industry can attract foreign investment, which can provide additional funding for infrastructure and economic development.

However, tourism also has potential negative economic impacts, such as overreliance on the industry, competition for resources, and environmental degradation. Careful management and planning are necessary to ensure the positive economic impacts outweigh the negative ones.

Social impacts of tourism in Greenland

Tourism can have various social impacts on a destination, including positive and negative effects. Here are some of the social impacts of tourism in Greenland:

Positive impacts:

• Cultural exchange: Tourism can promote cultural exchange between visitors and locals, helping to preserve and promote local traditions, languages, and customs.
• Job creation: Tourism creates jobs, which can help reduce unemployment and improve the standard of living for local residents.
• Improved infrastructure: Tourism development can lead to improved infrastructure such as transportation, communication, and health facilities, which can benefit both visitors and locals.
• Community pride: Tourism can instil a sense of pride in local communities and encourage the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions.
• Increased awareness: Tourism in Greenland can raise awareness of local social and environmental issues and promote sustainable development practices.

Negative impacts:

• Cultural erosion: Uncontrolled tourism development can lead to cultural erosion, where local cultures and traditions are overshadowed by commercial interests and international tourism culture.
• Social disruption: Large numbers of tourists can disrupt local social structures and daily life, especially in small communities where tourism is concentrated.
• Pressure on resources: Tourism in Greenland can put pressure on local resources such as water, food, and energy, leading to competition and shortages.
• Gentrification: Tourism development can drive up prices and make living costs unaffordable for locals, leading to gentrification and social inequality.
• Loss of authenticity: Tourism development can lead to the commodification of local culture, resulting in a loss of authenticity and cultural heritage.

It’s essential to manage tourism sustainably, balancing the positive and negative impacts on the destination’s social, cultural, and economic well being. Sustainable tourism development should prioritise community engagement, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation while providing meaningful experiences for visitors.

Environmental impacts of tourism in Greenland

Tourism in Greenland has the potential to impact the local environment, which is sensitive and fragile due to its Arctic climate and limited resources. Here are some of the environmental impacts of tourism in Greenland:

• Carbon emissions: Tourism in Greenland often involves long-haul flights, which contribute to carbon emissions and climate change. Additionally, the use of fossil fuels to power accommodation and transportation can also increase carbon emissions.
• Waste generation: Increased tourism in Greenland can lead to an increase in waste generation, which can impact the local environment. Proper waste management and disposal systems are essential to minimise the negative impact of tourism.
• Land use: Tourism development can lead to land use changes, such as the construction of hotels, lodges, and other infrastructure, which can impact the local ecosystem and wildlife.
• Wildlife disturbance: Tourism can also disturb local wildlife, especially in areas where animals are sensitive to human presence. The disturbance can alter the animals’ behaviour, causing stress and affecting their natural habitats.
• Water pollution: Increased tourism in Greenland can lead to water pollution, such as the release of untreated wastewater and chemicals from activities such as fishing and boating.
• Glacier retreat: Climate change and the increased use of fossil fuels associated with tourism can contribute to the retreat of glaciers, which can impact the local environment and wildlife.

It’s crucial to manage tourism sustainably in Greenland, considering its unique environment and limited resources. Sustainable tourism development should prioritise environmental conservation, minimise the negative impact on the local environment, and promote responsible tourism practices. The Greenlandic government has set strict regulations to ensure that tourism activities are sustainable and responsible, protecting the environment and preserving the local culture and traditions.

Budget requirements when visiting Greeland 

FAQs about tourism in Greenland 

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Greenland, lets answer some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic:

What is the best time of year to visit Greenland?

The best time to visit Greenland is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is relatively mild and the days are long. However, the northern lights can be seen from September to April.

Do I need a visa to visit Greenland?

If you are a citizen of a Nordic country or the EU, you do not need a visa to visit Greenland. Other nationalities should check with the Danish consulate or embassy in their home country.

How do I get to Greenland?

The easiest way to get to Greenland is by air. There are several airports in Greenland, with the main ones being Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk. Flights are available from Copenhagen, Denmark and Reykjavik, Iceland.

Is it safe to drink the water in Greenland?

Yes, it is generally safe to drink the water in Greenland. Tap water is safe to drink in most places, but bottled water is also readily available.

What is the official currency of Greenland?

The official currency of Greenland is the Danish krone. Most places accept major credit cards as well.

What languages are spoken in Greenland?

The official language of Greenland is Greenlandic, but Danish is also widely spoken. English is also spoken in many tourist areas.

What is the local culture like in Greenland?

The local culture in Greenland is influenced by its indigenous Inuit population, and traditional practices such as hunting and fishing are still an important part of the culture. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions.

What are some popular activities to do in Greenland?

Popular activities in Greenland include hiking, kayaking, dog sledding, skiing, and viewing the northern lights.

Are there any restrictions on photography in Greenland?

There are no restrictions on photography in Greenland, but visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions when taking photographs.

What is the best way to explore Greenland?

The best way to explore Greenland is to take a guided tour or hire a local guide. This will allow you to experience the local culture and see the natural beauty of the country while staying safe and respecting the environment.

To conclude- Tourism in Greenland

So, that sums up this article about tourism in Greenland. Greenland, with its pristine landscapes and enduring traditions, offers a travel experience like no other. As we conclude our journey through its majestic fjords and vibrant communities, it’s evident that Greenland’s magic lies in its ability to intertwine the vastness of nature with the warmth of its people. A trip to Greenland isn’t just a holiday; it’s a deep dive into a world both ancient and ever-present, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of every traveller.

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Soaring Tourism In Greenland Creates Opportunities For The Sparsely Populated Island

Jackie Northam

The number of tourists arriving in Greenland has soared over the past few years. That's creating opportunities on the sparsely populated island, including for tourist guides.

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Greenland Thinks Smaller and Smarter for Tourism Growth

Edward Russell , Skift

March 24th, 2022 at 12:40 PM EDT

Greenland wants more visitors. But only if it can handle them in an environmentally-friendly way, while not overwhelming its limited infrastructure and small population.

Edward Russell

Greenland may be physically larger than Germany, France, Spain, and the UK combined, but that does not mean it is ready — nor wants — a surge in visitors flooding its shores.

The semi-autonomous territory administered by Denmark is taking a cautious, deliberate approach to growing its tourism sector, Visit Greenland CEO Hjörtur Smárason said at the Skift Forum Europe Thursday. The country wants additional visitors to provide jobs and opportunities for its citizens, but at the same time acknowledges that roads and related infrastructure is very limits. In addition, the country is living climate change with average temperatures rising three-times faster than more temperate climes, and sea ice rapidly retreating.

“Climate change is the big story, and then you need to fly there,” he said in conversation with Skift CEO Rafat Ali. “It creates this contradiction.”

Greenland is weighing its desire up its visitor numbers from around 107,000 people annually today with how to do so with minimal climate impact. Those plans include emphasizing local experiences and fare — whale meat anyone? — and unique attractions like dog sledding while not overwhelming the country either. Smárason draws lessons from Iceland’s experience with mass tourism boom in the 2010s that brought economic opportunity but also showed the pitfalls, from thousands of additional cars on the roads to too few toilets for visitors at popular spots.

One seeming blessing in disguise is the fact that Greenland lacks the infrastructure to handle a sudden jump in visitor numbers today. “No two towns in Greenland are connected by roads,” said Smárason. Hotels and other amenities are also limited.

This limit gives Greenland time to prepare, and gradually increase tourist numbers. The country is building two new airports, one in the capital Nuuk and the other in Ilulissat — a popular tourist destination to see icebergs — that can handle international flights. The country’s current main airport, Kangerlussuaq Airport that was built by the U.S. during World War II, is far from both population centers and popular destinations that requires residents and visitors alike take additional domestic flights once they arrive. The new Nuuk and Ilulissat facilities are due to open in 2024, which gives the country time to prepare for additional arrivals.

In an October interview with FlightRadar24, Air Greenland CEO Jacob Nitter Sørensen called the new airports “both the biggest opportunity and the biggest threat” to the airline. The opportunities include the obvious growth potential, while the drawbacks include new competition and significant changes to Air Greenland’s domestic network with travelers no longer needing to fly through Kangerlussuaq.

Air Greenland and Icelandair are the only two airlines operating international flights to the island today, according to Cirium schedule data.

While work continues on Greenland’s new airports and related visitor infrastructure, there are some exciting new developments underway on the island. The Michelin-starred restaurant Koks from the Faroe Islands will open a location in Ilimanaq, Greenland, for the summer 2022 and 2023 seasons. While getting there won’t exactly be sustainable — Smárason said diners will need to take at least three flights and stay overnight — to eat at the restaurant.

Visit Greenland does not anticipate more visitors just for Koks, but maybe a new segment of visitor, said Smárason.

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Photo credit: Visit Greenland CEO Hjörtur Smárason is carefully planning for more visitors.

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Greenland’s spectacular, rugged and remote northern landscape offers visitors unparalleled wilderness and unique adventure, and the word is getting out. Interest in Greenland as a tourism destination has been growing steadily. And with this renewed interest, Visit Greenland – the country’s national tourism organization – must consider long-term impacts. How should a destination approach sustainable tourism to ensure that the right balance is taken between economic, environmental and social value?

It’s a pressing challenge. Global destination marketers have identified four critical trends and 50 challenges impacting destination marketing leadership. Sustainability and profit factor heavily among them.

In this Leading Thinkers series (featuring the insights of those who participated at Destination Think Forum 2016 , we have invited Visit Greenland Managing Director Anders Stenbakken and Anders Ullrich la Cour Vahl, Deputy Director, CFO – Statistics & Cruise to explain their organization’s key challenges and solutions.

Destination Think: You previously mentioned that developing sustainable, responsible tourism is a major priority for your work in Greenland. When you think about tourism revenue and growth vs. sustainability from an environmental and social perspective, what do you think are the key challenges that our industry will face?

Anders Stenbakken and Anders Ullrich la Cour Vahl: As a rule, environmental sustainability is a high priority for operators in Greenland. We see a growing demand from the industry for guidelines. With increasing tourism and a vulnerable natural environment, we expect to see an increasing need for initiatives to ensure that our natural attractions will continue to be accessible in a way that ensures they will also be attractions in the future.

We see challenges with regards to social sustainability, which to us entails a local value creation from tourism. It has proven more challenging to develop cultural tourism than to develop nature-based tourism. A main objective for us in the coming years is to work toward including the social-cultural dimension in the tourism experience without reducing it to folklore.

To ensure coherence between sustainable tourism development and growth is, to a large extent, about the development of matching products and communication. There is no contradiction between adventure tourism, sustainability/responsibility and growth. For adventure tourism there is perhaps even a closer connection.

“For most adventure tourists today, preserving and protecting the natural and cultural environment is a matter of course and we expect this from our tourism operators. A company that fails to live up to these expectations may not only jeopardize its own business but may also cause harm to the tourism industry as a whole.”

Since the natural environment is such an important part of the experiences offered in Greenland, how is your destination developing its tourism in a sustainable way?

Anders Stenbakken, Visit Greenland Managing Director

Greenland is still an emerging destination and welcomes relatively few visitors (46,000 land-based and 22,000 cruise guests in 2015). The majority of these visitors stay in a select few destinations. The relatively small numbers have allowed us to develop tourism in an organic way, without the massive – and in some cases intrusive – changes that have occurred in other destinations. However in recent years, we are seeing a change in tourism in Greenland, with more markets showing demand for Greenland, significant growth in tourism numbers and signs of pressure on our capacity during high season.

We have seen signs of erosion at some natural attractions and historic sites. These issues have been countered by establishing boardwalks, adding signage to paths and routes and developing specific guidelines for selecting landing sites for cruise vessels.

In addition, the newly passed law on Exclusive Rights to offer a Specific Tourism Activity in a Specific Area (Koncessionslovgivning) attempts to transfer part of the monitoring and preservation tasks to companies who have a clear commercial interest and responsibility for preserving the value of specific areas.

Municipalities and the Greenland Government also pass management plans for specific areas and may establish temporary or long-term protection for vulnerable areas.

In support of this effort, a primary task for us as a tourism board is to make sure the tourism industry is conscious of the importance of including environmental care and sustainability within companies’ daily operations and values.

An equally important task is to communicate the standards and values of the industry to politicians and authorities, so environmental challenges can be solved together through best practices and guidelines, rather than seeing areas closed for tourism.

For most adventure tourists today, preserving and protecting the natural and cultural environment is a matter of course and we expect this from our tourism operators. A company that fails to live up to these expectations may not only jeopardize its own business but may also cause harm to the tourism industry as a whole.

As a national tourism board, one of our core tasks is to ensure that tourism – to the extent it is possible – is spread between our five destinations. To achieve this, we have chosen to focus on the individual destination’s unique experiences and characteristics, and by extension, establish contact to agents with matching customer segments.

How do you see DMOs’ roles in the travel industry changing in the next five to ten years?

Anders Ullrich la Cour Vahl, Visit Greenland Deputy Director, CFO – Statistics & Cruise

Greenland may be a bit special in this regard, as we are an emerging destination with a limited tourism sector and very few people to carry the development forward. We expect that our role as a DMO will be to continue to maintain and develop the overall brand of Greenland, to support our regions in developing strong regional sub-brands and regional iconic experiences and to produce state-of-the-art content on Greenland.

Visit Greenland has been increasingly focused on producing and distributing our own content, both visually and textually. We see this production role as a logical next step and an extension of our national and regional brand developments.

We also see the growing importance of documenting changes to tourism in Greenland and we continue to develop our tools for market intelligence. We will also place increasing emphasis on acting as a mediator to determine the best matches between local operators and tour operators in our markets based on a careful segmentation and mapping process. Lastly, we see an important task in advising and influencing the overall framework for doing tourism in Greenland in order to secure the best conditions to create value for the industry.

What will be the impact on your organizational structure and capabilities?

We do not necessarily see any need for greater organizational changes because today, Visit Greenland is organized by projects, with a very flat hierarchy and a high degree of independence for individual employees. This organizational structure has proven to be very effective, flexible and adaptive.

We expect to strengthen our capabilities on the markets and on content creation, as well as continue to prioritize analysis and market intelligence in order to be capable of anticipating and responding to changes in due time.

What are the other outstanding questions you and your destination face, and what do you think is required in order to deal with these changes?

In coming years, the increase in demand and resulting growth in tourism in Greenland will demand our attention as far as how we can ensure local value creation. This will require action within the education system, adaptation by the local tourism industry, and a legislative framework that effectively supports the development of local tourism.

For example, the current political decision on creating a new airport structure in Greenland will require a strong, coherent effort to establish the reasons to visit while building the adequate capacity around the new infrastructure.

Tourism in Greenland today is highly centralized around a few destinations during the summer months, which places huge pressure on a limited capacity. It also means that in order to make investments viable, prices are quite high compared to similar products on other destinations.

We need a two-pronged approach to increase viability and better use the existing capacity. One is to build up the destinations near the current tourism centres. This will help differentiate the tourist offering and distribute tourism across Greenland in the high season. The other approach is developing attractive offers for the shoulder seasons in order to lengthen the season. Both of these approaches should help us make better use of Greenland’s capacity.

Gain more valuable insights from speakers, panelists and participants from Destination Think Forum, where the world’s leading destination marketers gathered to address their greatest challenges. Read more interviews with Forum’s Leading Thinkers.

Featured image: A couple overlooks Tasiusaq sheep farm in South Greenland. Image credit: Mads Pihl, Visit Greenland

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Tourism Statistics Report 2021

In this report you will find data and analyses of the development in the tourism sector of Greenland regarding 2021.

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Improved version of VG’s tourism statistics website

The website tourismstat.gl has been further developed with new data.

 Published on July 16, 2019

The tourismstat-website was first introduced in September 2013 with an introduction to Visit Greenland ‘s new segmentation model as well as verified tourism data fed directly from Statistics Greenland . The statistics page was made to be highly interactive so that one could choose for themself, which data they would like to investigate, and through which graph styles they would like to display them.

Visit Greenland has since made adjustments to the website in order to develop and improve its contents and functions. The newest version is live now.

Continues further down the page...

All new - the Analysis tab

Visit Greenland presented the first tourism analysis report in Autumn 2015 with national-level data and findings from the third quarter of 2015.

Now, with the onset of the new tourismstat.gl website comes a release of all new reports in the Analysis tab. One can find both national- and regional-level reports for the entire 2018 year.

We hope you all make good use of these new elements, and we wish you a happy spring!

Visit the website here.

New search function in the Statistics tab

It is now possible to filter data by tourist country of residence. This filter is available for data such as the number of flight passengers, number of overnight guests and number of overnights, to name a few.

New information in the Tourists tab

Richer and more detailed information regarding the theory behind market segmentation and the different market segments has been added. Extended case studies are available for the following segments: Culture Appreciator, Globetrotter, Nature Lover, Nature Appreciator, and Special Interest Adventurer.

By Mads Lumholt

Administration consultant, Visit Greenland

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Popular global destinations which are trying to limit tourism numbers

Tourists can expect a future where visiting world hotspots will come with extra charges or further restrictions - with many places already taking steps depending on the pressures faced by their communities.

Monday 29 April 2024 16:51, UK

Growing tourism numbers are placing popular destinations under extra pressure - due to various factors including environmental and residential concerns.

Here are some locations limiting tourists - or which could be about to take action.

Venice, Italy

A controversial scheme has been introduced for day trippers in Venice in an attempt to reduce the number of tourists.

Signs inform visitors there is a new €5 fee (£4.28) to be paid as part of a trial phase during peak periods of the summer.

Around 200 stewards have been trained to politely walk anyone unaware of the charge through the process of downloading a QR code - with a kiosk set up for people not in possession of a smartphone.

The charge will not apply to hotel guests.

The city has an estimated 30 million visits from tourists every year.

Canary Islands, Spain

Officials are considering introducing stricter rules over tourism amid simmering anger among the locals who are worried about increasing visitor numbers.

Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo said this month that although the region was a leading Spanish tourist destination, more controls were needed.

Just over a week ago, thousands of people protested in Tenerife, calling for the Spanish island to temporarily limit tourist arrivals.

They want to dampen a boom in short-term holiday rentals and hotel construction which is driving up housing costs for locals.

One of the leaders of the protest, Antonio Bullon, said: "The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious."

Haiku Stairs, Hawaii

Demolition of a mountain staircase which was built during World War Two on the Hawaiian island of Oahu was due to start this month - to prevent tourists from using it.

Hikers have long headed to the site, despite being officially closed to visitors since 1987, as part of efforts to access amazing views of the island.

Officials confirmed earlier this month the Haiku Stairs would be removed as part of an operation which will cost $2.5m (£2m).

They later said they were "disappointed and dismayed" visitors were still trying to reach the site despite their "warnings that the project to dismantle" the stairs had begun.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Access to one of the world's most popular heritage sites was temporarily closed to tourists last September.

Authorities took the decision amid growing concern over the deterioration of the site due to increasing footfall.

The site was built in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary for the Incas.

Maya Bay, Thailand

One of Thailand's most popular beauty spots was closed to tourists for four years from 2018 - after it was made famous by a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh island featured in the 2000 thriller The Beach - but increasing visitor numbers eventually forced officials to take action "to allow its ecology to fully recover".

Authorities decided to step in following reports that up to 80% of the coral in the bay had died.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Officials said a barrier will begin to be installed this week to block views of Mount Fuji in an effort to tackle growing tourism numbers.

The nation's highest mountain attracts many photographers and selfie-lovers.

But the authorities in the resort of Fujikawaguchiko said netting measuring 20 metres will be used to obstruct the view at one popular point.

Officials said they were taking action due to the bad behaviour of tourists.

Read more on Sky News: Cambridge considering tourist tax at hotels Why 2024 could be worst year for 'overtourism'

Cornwall, UK

Visitors may be charged a tax to visit the area, the county's tourism chief has said.

Visit Cornwall's chief executive Malcolm Bell said "it is time to have the debate" about charging tourists a fee.

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But he also said such a move would have to be made together with neighbouring areas, reported Cornwall Live.

He added: "There is no point in Devon not having one and us having one."

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