Greenland Opens Up to the World with Sustainable Tourism

The Government of Greenland has announced a ten-year sustainable tourism development plan aimed at improving the quality of life for its 56,865 residents, 89% of whom are Inuit.

Last year, the first-ever international flight landed in Nuuk, the capital of the autonomous Danish territory. In 2026, two additional international airports are expected to open, marking the beginning of a new era of tourism for the world’s largest island.

A Changing Tide for Arctic Tourism

For decades, despite its stunning natural beauty, Greenland remained on the fringes of global tourist traffic. To arrive in Nuuk, a vibrant town surrounded by dramatic, snow-covered peaks, visitors had to change in Kangerlussuaq. From this former US-military base, home to just 508 inhabitants, small turboprops carried them to the capital. 

Despite the challenging travel arrangements, interest in Greenland has been steadily rising, with tourist traffic growing by over forty percent in the last three years alone. The expansion of tourism infrastructure is a direct response to this trend, and the Naalakkersuisut — “government” in Greenlandic — has plans to harness its opportunities.

Traditionally, fishing has been the most important sector of the island’s economy, accounting for over ninety percent of its exports. But as climate change poses major threats to this age-old industry, Greenland has no choice but to diversify. The new ten-year tourism development plan, called Kalaallit Nunaat… And All That We Share, focuses on this transition, envisioning growth in balance with nature, culture, and community. By putting its people and environment first, Greenland aims to become a model for sustainable Arctic tourism.

Greenland’s Natural Attractions Are Polar Gems

Up till now, the vast majority of visitors have arrived in the Arctic region on board cruise ships, but recent infrastructure development might help change this controversial trend. The risk of fuel leaks, wildlife disturbance, and high emissions are among the concerns voiced by experts opposing this mode of travel, and a shift toward adventure tourism is afoot.

Glacier hiking, kayaking among icebergs, hot springs hopping, dog sledding and whale watching are just a few examples of the endless sustainable travel opportunities on the island. Visit Greenland, the territory’s official tourism organization, is working with researchers to develop the most favorable strategies for further development, with conservation and local communities at the forefront of their approach.

Greenland’s People-First Approach

Beyond nature adventures, indigenous Inuit culture is increasingly a magnet for visitors seeking to embrace native wisdom and practices. Indigenous tourism experiences, such as traditional hunting demonstrations and Inuit cuisine tastings, provide an economic opportunity for the Greenlandic people while helping to preserve the unique culture of the island’s Inuit.

Anette Lings, spokesperson for Visit Greenland, points out that these new opportunities come with significant responsibilities. By placing full control in the hands of Greenlanders, the ten-year tourism development plan offers hope of developing a blueprint for sustainable travel in a rapidly changing world.