Tourism in Kullorsuaq must be developed

The company Nalik Ventures A/S, which works with business development in Greenland and advises entrepreneurs, held a course on entrepreneurship in Kullorsuaq in early February.

It is hoped that the course can open doors for the development of the tourism industry in the largest settlement in Greenland with around 400 inhabitants, says a member of the village council.

Presentation from outside

Based on an inquiry from the village council in Kullorsuaq and Avannaata Municipality, the course on entrepreneurship in Kullorsuaq was a success, says advisor Edvard Lyberth Mørch from Nalik Ventures.

The course content included, among other things, requirements for entrepreneurship, application options and various opportunities within tourism experiences.

In addition, two independent tourism actors from Ilulissat and Itilleq presented via the internet. One presented from Itilleq about service and prices when cruise ships call at the settlements, while a tourism actor from Ilulissat presented about dog sled tourism.

Potential for support

Cruise ships arrive in Kullorsuaq every summer, and their number is increasing, says Edvard Lyberth Mørch. Even so, no tourism companies have yet been established in Kullorsuaq, but that may change in the future.

– Tourism is popular in Kullorsuaq, and therefore there were many participants in the three-day course.

– But like in other settlements in Greenland, tourism cannot be fully operated year-round in Kullorsuaq.

– Yet tourism and accommodation can complement existing industries such as fishing, because Kullorsuaq is located in a remote district, and the experiences there are not found elsewhere, he says.

He also mentions that there is interest in opening a shop.

Unusual

It is not common for the settlement council in Kullorsuaq to invite Nalik Ventures, says an advisor for entrepreneurs.

– But as a result of the successful course in Kullorsuaq, it is part of our vision to implement similar projects that are adapted to the settlements, says Edvard Lyberth Mørch.

Although the course in Upernavik was not successful, both existing and potential entrepreneurs were met, he says.

Great interest

With the aim of, among other things, uncovering business opportunities in Kullorsuaq, the new members of the settlement council, who were elected last year, decided to invite Nalik Ventures to Kullorsuaq in 2025, says settlement council member Timotheus Petersen from Siumut.

– We expect that the number of cruise ships arriving in Kullorsuaq will increase in the coming years. This year, the new airport in Ilulissat will be put into operation, and this will undoubtedly benefit us in some way.

– That is why the entire settlement council wanted a course on entrepreneurship. Fortunately, our request was well received by Nalik Ventures, he says.

The course was met with great interest and was very profitable, says the settlement council.

Tourism must be developed

The cruise ships that arrive in Kullorsuaq have their own guides, and that is one of the reasons why not much money reaches the residents of the settlement, says Timotheus Petersen, who is also a fisherman and trapper.

– It is important to enter into service agreements with the cruise ships. To achieve this, it is necessary to establish a locally owned tourist agency, and I know that initiatives have been launched with the aim of realizing this, he says.

The interest in developing different forms of adventure tourism became clear during the course.

– For example, I dream of tourists being able to go on whale watching. To achieve this, permits for passenger transport must be obtained and safety courses at sea must be completed.

– It is both complicated and expensive, but we have been equipped with good tools during the course, and there is no doubt that they will be put to good use. This gives hope for the future, says Timotheus Petersen.

The possibility of opening a small shop in the settlement is also something that is of interest, says a member of the settlement council, who has worked in politics for many years.