Trump increases interest in Greenland

The recent interest in Greenland from US President Donald Trump has greatly damaged political relations between the two countries. But it has also given Greenland a greater global reputation, according to the tourism industry, which believes that the situation should be exploited to further develop tourism.

A growing interest

Innovation South Greenland A/S is owned by the Municipality of Kujalleq and works with consulting and development within business, tourism and entrepreneurship. Miki Jensen, Director of Innovation South Greenland, says that in recent months they have been able to feel the great interest of the United States in Greenland, which has resulted in an increased international reputation for the country.

– After receiving more attention from media around the world, we have received more inquiries from people in different countries, and we have also gained more followers on social media such as Instagram. Based on this, we expect an increase in the number of tourists visiting South Greenland this year, he says.

He adds that researchers from the European Union (EU) have also approached and shown interest in coming to South Greenland to conduct various scientific studies.

For the benefit of tourism

– Compared to previous years, many more foreign researchers have come who want to study different aspects of our country. Therefore, we expect that the growth in tourism will be positive, he says.

The new airport in Qaqortoq is expected to be operational in April, and Innovation South Greenland estimates that it will lead to a significant increase in tourism.

– In addition, there are increasingly more cruise ships calling at South Greenland, and we expect that the coming years will be characterized by a lack of accommodation options as a result of increased tourism.

– That is why we are now advising a number of players who want to build accommodation and hotels, says Miki Jensen.

He adds that over the past two years, several tourism operators have started in South Greenland.

The opportunity must be seized.

Although the political situation between Greenland and the United States is uncertain, Jan Cortsen, director of Ilulissat Excursions ApS and co-owner and CEO of Local Guide ApS, says that interest in Greenland from abroad has increased significantly.

– Since Donald Trump's interest in our country began in 2019, tourists have come that we don't normally see here, including tourists from South America.

– The basis for increasing our country's reputation is of course complex, but there is great potential for developing Greenland as a tourist destination, and it must be exploited.

– You have to remember that Donald Trump does not represent the entire United States. You cannot develop tourism based on fear.

– Therefore, we should be able to welcome everyone, regardless of whether they are American or other foreign tourists, says Cortsen.

The new airport in Ilulissat is expected to be put into operation within the next six months, and the tourism industry is ready to welcome more visitors to Ilulissat, emphasizes Jan Cortsen, director of Ilulissat Excursions.