Greenland’s tourism industry has significant economic opportunities, as the country attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in its unspoilt scenery and nature experiences, as well as its cultural and wildlife attractions. The industry generates approximately 3% of the country’s GDP, and has been growing steadily in recent years. The number of cruise ships visiting Greenland has been increasing, 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, which offer a variety of attractions and activities for tourists.
Adventure Tourism: Greenland is a popular destination for adventure tourism, which involves activities that are exciting, challenging, and often risky. Adventure tourism appeals to tourists who are looking for new and unique experiences, as well as physical and mental stimulation. Adventure tourism can also help tourists to learn new skills, overcome fears, and connect with nature.
Greenland offers a range of adventure tourism activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and dogsledding. Hiking is one of the most common and accessible activities, as Greenland has many trails and routes that showcase its diverse and stunning landscape, from mountains and glaciers to valleys and fjords. Kayaking is another popular activity, as Greenland has a long tradition of using kayaks for hunting and fishing, and offers many opportunities to explore its coastline and islands.
Cultural Tourism: Cultural tourism is another promising area for Greenland’s tourism industry, as it involves tourists who are interested in learning about and experiencing the culture, history, and heritage of a destination. Cultural tourism can help tourists to broaden their horizons, enrich their knowledge, and foster intercultural understanding and respect.
Greenland has a rich culture influenced by Inuit and Danish roots as well as its arctic environment. Culture is expressed through music, dance, art, literature and cuisine. Music and dance reflect emotions, stories and traditions, often performed at festivals. Art includes carvings, paintings and sculptures using materials like wood, bone and antler, inspired by nature, animals and mythology. Greenland has an oral storytelling tradition as well as growing written works of novels, essays and comics dealing with identity, history and society. Cuisine is based on local ingredients like fish, seal, whale, reindeer and berries, found in restaurants, cafes and markets.
Wildlife Tourism: Wildlife tourism is another potential area for Greenland’s tourism industry, as it involves tourists who are interested in observing and interacting with wildlife in their natural habitats. Wildlife tourism can help tourists to appreciate and enjoy the diversity and beauty of wildlife, as well as to learn about their behavior, ecology, and conservation.
Greenland is home to various wildlife including whales, seals, polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer, arctic foxes and birds. Whales such as humpback, minke and fin whales are iconic attractions and can be seen from shore, boats or kayaks. Seals are also common and important as a food/clothing source for locals as well as prey for polar bears and whales. Polar bears are the largest arctic predators and can be admired or photographed, though they are dangerous. Other wildlife includes musk oxen, reindeer, arctic foxes offering varied experiences for tourists.
Cruise Tourism: Cruise tourism is another growing area for Greenland’s tourism industry, as it involves tourists who travel by cruise ships to visit different destinations and attractions. Cruise tourism can offer tourists convenience, comfort, and variety, as they can enjoy the facilities and services on board, as well as the scenery and experiences on shore.
Greenland has become an increasingly popular destination for cruise tourism, as the number of cruise ships visiting the country has been rising in recent years. In 2019, 70 cruise ships visited Greenland, up from 35 in 2010. The most popular ports of call in Greenland are Ilulissat, Nuuk, and Kangerlussuaq, which offer a range of attractions and activities for cruise tourists, such as icebergs, glaciers, museums, and markets. Cruise tourists can also visit other destinations in Greenland, such as Qaqortoq, Nanortalik, and Uummannaq, which offer different aspects of Greenland’s culture and nature.
Cruise tourism can create economic opportunities for Greenland, as it can generate income and employment for local communities and businesses. Cruise tourism can also stimulate the development and improvement of Greenland’s infrastructure and services, such as ports, airports, roads, and hotels.