Tourist operators in Ilulissat prepare for the new airport

As the new airport in Ilulissat opens at the end of the year, the independent businesses in the town have invested millions to prepare for a busier business activity than today.

More tourists

The Magnussen family in Ilulissat is well-known in the business world and has been running independent businesses for many years.

The successful businesses Pilu Sport, Future Ilulissat, Ilulissat Escape, Ilulissat City Apartments and Ilulissat Icefjord Lodge are run by the family.

Peter Magnussen's daughter, Pilunnguaq Magnussen, and her partner, Kaali Lund Mathæussen, run the tourism company Ilulissat Escape ApS in Ilulissat.

In preparation for increased tourist activity in Ilulissat, Ilulissat Escape has just purchased two new Targa boats in addition to the existing tourist boat, says Peter Magnussen on behalf of the owners.

– The number of tourists who pre-order has already increased. Therefore, our Poca 770 with space for ten people was no longer sufficient, so it was necessary to purchase two new boats, he says.

More accommodations

The Magnussen family has several accommodations, and they have now been expanded further.

– In addition to the existing accommodations, we have made four new ones ready for the summer. But we quickly realized that even more were needed. Therefore, eight more will be established in the coming period.

– With the current situation in the business community in Ilulissat, the future looks promising.

– We can see that the tasks will increase, which is why my daughter and I have invested several million in the future, says Peter Magnussen.

The construction of the airport in Ilulissat has created a good foundation for private individuals to invest more in development, emphasizes the experienced businessman.

More offers

Jan Cortsen and his wife, Akisók Cortsen, run the tourism company Ilulissat Local Guide. When the company started in 2024, experiences at sea were primarily run by the couple alone.

However, in order to be prepared for the fact that more tourists will arrive when the new airport is put into operation, it has been necessary to expand the offers for tourists, says Jan Cortsen.

Ilulissat Local Guide has just purchased three modern UTVs with room for passengers. The goal is, among other things, to transport tourists to the Ilulissat Icefjord in the winter, he says.

– Ilulissat Icefjord is very popular, so the 200 horsepower UTVs have already been used a lot, and the goal is to add more, he says.

With the increase in the number of cabins at Ilulissat Icefjord, the number of tourists visiting the area is also increasing. To ensure good service, it is necessary for tour operators to cooperate, he believes.

– I will make agreements with other tour operators to transport tourists who want to stay overnight in the cabins at Ilulissat Icefjord. The goal is also to use UTVs to show tourists arriving by cruise ship around the town, he says.

Akisók Cortsen works as a teacher during the day. But due to the rapid development of Ilulissat Local Guide, she will leave her job and work in the tourism industry, says Jan Cortsen.

The area around Ilulissat currently has little ice, and there is still boat transport, says Jan Cortsen. He is also the manager of the tourism company Ilulissat Excursions ApS.