While Greenland is experiencing a surge in global interest – no doubt due to the prominent takeover ambitions of Donald Trump – the real transformation of the northern destination is happening through tourism, claims Intrepid Travel, which says it has seen enquiries about the autonomous territory of Denmark jump 94% in recent weeks.
Buoyed by new direct flights from North America launching this summer and a brand-new international airport, Intrepid reports that its first departure, set for July 4, is nearly sold out with very limited space still available for the rest of the summer.
But as the world rushes in, the real question is: who benefits?
A new model for tourism
Greenland, an Arctic giant 10 times the size of the UK, remains one of the least-visited countries in the world. Unlike its Nordic neighbours, Greenland is determined to chart its own path, prioritizing Indigenous-led tourism, environmental protections, and economic sovereignty.
To that end, Intrepid, in partnership with Visit Greenland, is launching a new land-based expedition designed to direct tourism dollars into local hands – not foreign corporations.
“We’re seeing a jump in American interest in Greenland fueled by a powerful mix of political intrigue, exciting new travel infrastructure, and a wave of intense media attention,” says Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas, Intrepid Travel. “But with this massive wave of tourism set to hit Greenland, it’s critical to build sustainably from the outset.”
Beyond the cruise ship
For decades, polar cruises have dominated tourism in Greenland, offering limited interactions with local people. But Intrepid’s “10-day Greenland Expedition” is different – it’s land-based, immersive, and designed to connect travellers with Greenlandic culture in a way that cruise passengers never experience. For example, tour participants will:
- Hike across glaciers and cruise through iceberg-strewn fjords
- Visit remote settlements and experience a traditional kaffemik (coffee gathering) in a local’s home
- Hear Greenlandic mythology from an Indigenous storyteller
- Trek to a remote eco-lodge on Lyngmark Mountain under the midnight sun
- Explore Disko Island, where Greenland’s raw landscapes and Arctic wilderness collide
Kristijan Svajnzger, Intrepid’s Regional Manager of the Nordics, adds: “Surrounded by icebergs and whales, Disko Island embodies Greenland’s pristine beauty while allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture. Imagine lounging on the Black Sand Beach, hearing children play football nearby while whales breach in the distance – it’s a summer spectacle unlike anywhere else.”
Moreover, states Barnes, “Greenland’s tourism boom shouldn’t be decided in political offices thousands of miles away – it should be shaped by the people who actually live there.”
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