Greenland is the world’s largest island with a population of about 57,000 people. It is also known as the “Land of the People” with over two million square kilometres in areas, The large majority of people live in 5 popular towns and settlements namely Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Sisimiut and Qaqortoq (Greenland Travel, 2017).
This land of ice and snow attracts tourists because of its magnificent nature, floating icebergs, breathtaking fjords, beautiful mountains, cliffs with the ocassional waterfal, hot springs, Inuit culture, Viking ruins, glaciers and, clean air. Wildlife and sealife are others magnets for wildlife lovers with sightings of muskox, reindeers, whales, seals and polar bears. Different seaons offer different experiences from observing the Northern Lights, to dog-sledding and from snowmobile to trekking, cycling, keyaking and boat excursions, Organized tourism started in 1959 with a flight form Denmark and one-day tourist flights from Iceland. It is looking to expand sustainabily and by 2030 attract a projected 100,000 tourists annually.
Through this website you will find many ways to Celebrate this new Greenland with at its mission to develop collaborative partnerships to assist with this goal. You will therefore also be informed about eco tourism opportunities for the commercial and tourism markets.
The Land
As the largest island on the earth, and the longest north-south range of any land mass in the Arctic, Greenland is rich in geo and biodiversity. With approximately 80% of its surface covered by an ice sheet, glaciers form the land with cuts through rock, forming valleys, lakes, bogs, marshes and hot springs. Approximately ¾’s of Greenland is covered by the only permanent ice sheet other than Antarctica; it spreads 656,000 square miles, or three times the state of Texas.Closer to the shore, these formations result in magnificent fjords. The rich biodiversity of its terrestrial and ocean environment are home to 9,500 species, with many exotic species like narwhal, walrus, musk ox, caribou, Arctic hare and polar bear. Bird nesting grounds are prevalent particularly in the South and include white tailed eagles, falcons, and jaegers.
The People
The 56,000 people of Greenland are primarily of Inuit origin though heavily mixed with European cultures, primarily Danish and one tenth are Danish, and born in Denmark. Still part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the people of Greenland mark the least densely populated region in the world with most inhabiting the Southwest coast, and one third in Nuuk. They are quiet, reserved and will smile to welcome visitors who appreciate their culture and their land. The arts, including music, dance, photography, sculpture and tattoo art thrive in a people who find expressive outlets from their better known primary work as fisherman. Greenland supplies the world with over 60 metric tons of shrimp, 40 tons of halibut and 80 metric tons of other mixed fish. With new beer microbreweries, and fusion cuisines, the appetite will be enjoyed after exploring the rich culture, people, and environment of Greenland.
What to Do
Activities for tourists include dog-sledding, whale watching, seeing the Northern lights, kayaking through icebergs, visiting traditional Inuvialuit homes and people, and exotic schooner boat trips through southern fjords. As one of the last unspoiled, pristine ecosystems on the planet, Greenland has all the attractive elements of an ecotourism paradise. Many travel experts and magazines tout Greenland as the last frontier for the well-traveled and even the “Arctic Riviera.” Polar cruises and boat expeditions, particularly around Scoresby Sound as well as land-based “Arctic safaris” are based on the Eastern Greenland coast.
Evolution of eco tourism in Greenland
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First attempt to bring tourists to Greenland
In 1902, first attempts to bring 100 tourists by ship to Greenland twice a year by Mylius-Erichsen were not successful since he was denied permission.
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Organized tourism started in 1959.
Organized tourism travel started in 1959 with a flight from Copenhagen and one-day tourist flights from Iceland.
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A slow start…
The numbers of tourists remained quite low and in 1992 approximately 3,500 tourists visited Greenland.
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Tourists are starting to find their way to Greenland
In the year 2000 some 31,351 tourists made Greenland their destination.
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NEW LEVEL OF EXPERIENCES
Just for 2022 and the 2023 season, the Michelin star restaurant KOKS will be the setting for a new kind of visitor. Also highly anticipated is the opening of two new airports, expected in 2024.
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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ON THE RISE
By 2030, the number of tourists visiting Greenland each year could reach 100,000, doubling the amount Greenland is currently hosting, according to Visit Greenland, the national tourism promotion board.
CELEBRATING
Meet Hjortur Smarason, CEO Visit Greenland
Meet Nivikka Witjes, Project Manager Siu-Tsiu
Meet Jacob Skovaa, Event Manager Katuaq
PREPARING FOR TOURISM EXPANSION: Coming Soon!
Mia Chemnitz is the co-owner of the Qiviut boutique in NUUK. "In our store you will be able to ask "who made this" and we will be able to point to the person."
Mads Skifte is Deputy Director at Visit Greenland. "If you are adventurous, then you should definitely come to Greenland!"
Nivikka Witjes lives in NUUK and is a project manager. "Come to Greenland because of the many outdoors possibilities during the summer and winter!"
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