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Icebergs the size of skyscrapers and ancient glaciers: The wonders of Greenland are becoming easier to reach than ever.
Whale watching, iceberg treks and almost guaranteed Northern Lights – why wouldn’t you want to visit Greenland? Yet tourism in the country is a relatively young business, and one that the world’s largest island is keen to grow.Greenland is seeking to diversify its economy. About 90 per cent of its exports currently come from fishing, but relying so heavily on a single industry is seen as potentially risky. The government is aiming for tourism to reach 40 per cent of its export value by 2035. Although tourism isn’t ‘exported’ as such, it brings foreign money into the country, so is classified as an economic export. To put that into context, the tourism revenue generated in 2023 (€250 million) would need to triple in the next decade to come close to 40 per cent of Greenland’s export value. So the island is hoping to attract many more intrepid travellers to its shores in 2025, with a unique offering of remote seclusion and bucket-list Arctic activities.One big reason it will be easier to visit GreenlandIn October 2024, the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, officially opened its new international airport. Although there has been an airport in Nuuk since 1979, its runway was too short for large airliners to use, and flights were limited to small turboprop and regional jet aircraft.Now, the runway has more than doubled in length to 2,200 metres and a new terminal has been built. Major airlines with large passenger jets are able to fly in and connect the island’s capital directly to destinations around the world.“Previously, Nuuk did not have a sufficiently long runway or suitable terminal for non-stop flights to Europe or beyond,” notes airline route analyst James Pearson.“This meant that Air Greenland’s A330s had to fly from Kangerlussuaq, with most passengers connecting on to Nuuk,” he says. “Nuuk’s enhanced facilities will be vital for tourism and economic development.”Several airlines have already made a move to begin serving Nuuk in 2025. United Airlines will launch a nonstop flight from Newark, just outside New York on the East Coast of the US. The route starts from 14 June, initially scheduled to operate seasonally until 25 September.Joining United is Scandinavian airline SAS, which will begin flights from Copenhagen in June. SAS has served Greenland on and off for decades but can now connect to the capital with a larger aircraft. SAS noted its Danish roots and historic links to Greenland, saying it is “with a special humility and pride that we now fully resume this role.” It added, “We hope that with our new route to Nuuk, we can help support this development and increase growth and employment in Greenlandic society.”Also operating out of the new airport are Icelandair, connecting the island to Keflavik, and home flag carrier Air Greenland. As well as its long-established route to Copenhagen, Air Greenland is adding connections to Aalborg and Billund for summer 2025.While it’s still early days for the new airport, hopes are high that more international airlines will begin service. And it’s not just Nuuk that’s getting an aviation upgrade. Ilulissat in the north and Qaqortoq in the south both plan to open an international airport by 2026 with equally long and capable runways. Discussions are ongoing about modernising other airports in Greenland in a bid to make the country more accessible.Why is Greenland keen to attract tourists?Targeting more tourists is seen as a key economic enabler for Greenland. The remote, sparsely populated island is keen to diversify away from its reliance on the fishing industry, and sees tourism’s potential as an additional revenue source.Tourism is already beginning to grow, with a record number of foreign visitors in 2023. Almost 40,000 arrived by air, 9 per cent higher than in 2022, while over 76,000 arrived on cruise ships – almost twice as many as pre-pandemic in 2019.Statistics from Visit Greenland show that in 2023, foreign tourism contributed revenue to Greenland of almost DKK 1.9 billion (€250 million). Not only that, but tourist arrivals directly accounted for over 1,000 jobs.While the new airport and Greenland’s unique environment have the right recipe for tourism success, organisations are cautious about overstimulating the market. A pledge for sustainable tourism, signed in 2023, aligns increased tourism with direct benefits to local residents while maintaining important cultural connections.“Among the tourism companies and organisations, there is a strong desire for a common and sustainable direction for tourism development,” says Visit Greenland’s CEO, Anne Nivíka Grødem. “That’s why I am so encouraged that the tourism industry itself is setting clear direction with this pledge for sustainable tourism development that benefits all of Greenland.”In Nuuk, the municipality is collaborating with the tourism industry on increasing the number of hotel rooms by 50 per cent by the end of 2030, which will add 500 more beds. However, that won’t happen quickly, and analysis by Visit Greenland suggests both Nuuk and Ilulissat could face a shortage of accommodation in the short term.What are the best things to do in Greenland?Greenland’s wow factor comes from its untouched natural surroundings and uncrowded spaces. Like Iceland, its Arctic Circle location means there are vast opportunities for experiences that are hard to find elsewhere in the world. Greenland is marketing itself as an adventure tourism hotspot, and it’s easy to see why. Icebergs the size of skyscrapers and ancient glaciers can be explored by boat or kayak. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Greenland’s most iconic attractions, with massive icebergs calving off the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier.Greenland has perhaps the best ‘dark sky’ environment of anywhere, due to its minimal light pollution, vast, untouched landscapes, and clear skies. Its northerly location and long, dark winters make it one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis.Winter fun is year-round here, with dog sledding a popular pastime for visitors and locals alike. Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq offer long, snow-covered trails ideal for sledding, while Tasiilaq in the east offers an authentic Innuit dog sled experience. Skiing and snowboarding are popular too, with heli-skiing an option for thrill seekers.There are opportunities to spot some of Greenland’s diverse wildlife throughout the island, but the most popular excursions take visitors out to sea to view the giant whales in their natural environment. From Disko Bay and Nuuk, tourists can take a boat tour to view humpback whales, fin whales and even minke whales in the Arctic waters.Alongside this, there are numerous cultural and historical experiences to be found in Nuuk and other towns across the island, as well as infinite opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and simply relaxing. The unspoilt riches of Greenland are beginning to be discovered, and with easier connections than ever, it’s sure to make its way onto many travellers’ bucket lists in 2025.
