Tourism is developing rapidly after the opening of the new airport, and the philosophy of the fresh tourism plan is to ensure “a good city to live in” and “a good city to visit”.
With the plan, the Administration for Construction and Environment wants to have a management tool that ensures that the many new initiatives are prioritized in line with the development. This applies, among other things, to space requirements and where the many new functions should be located.
Overall, the vision is that the new initiatives will “highlight the city’s unique nature and culture and make experiences more accessible to both citizens and visitors – all year round”.
In this regard, it is planned to take the following four central guidelines as a starting point:
Three focus areas
The plan also lists three focus areas in the city:
When it comes to Spækhusnæs, the plan is to connect the historical area (Kolonihavnen with the National Museum and Nuuk Local Museum) with the coastal path, where according to the plan there is “great untapped potential”.
Specifically, it is proposed that an activity and communication house be built, which can form a framework for exhibitions, workshops, learning activities, sales of local goods or function as a packed lunch pavilion.
The plan also describes that facilities for winter swimming can be created – such as a sauna, shelter and bathing jetty, and a future breakwater can be equipped with a viewing point for whales and the northern lights.
The city center plan
Imaneq is described as the central hub that constitutes modern Nuuk – an area in the tension between culture, urban life and everyday life:
“Several tourist buses already stop at the intersection between Kuussuaq and Imaneq, and many visitors' experience of the modern cultural city starts here. This arrival point can be strengthened with a common meeting place.”
To strengthen Nuuk as a living city, the plan describes that areas along Imaneq can be advantageously laid out, which can be used for temporary initiatives such as pavilions, sales stands and urban furniture.
Access to the hinterland
The third focus area is Qinngorput, which can be developed to be one of several gateways to the nature of the hinterland.
The plan focuses on the parking lot at the roundabout in Qinngorput, because from here there is a path up to Viska Horses with the possibility of horseback riding in the hinterland, as well as a path up to Cirkussøen with several hiking routes towards the top or around Quassussuaq and Ukkusissat and further into the hinterland.
Specifically, it is proposed that a central meeting point be established at the parking lot with a shelter, seating options, public toilets, information boards, defibrillators and a wifi spot.
Political treatment
The 18-page tourism plan, which Cowi A/S has helped to create with input from citizens, will be presented to the committee politicians in Technology and Environment at the first meeting of the year. If the plan is approved, it will go on to the Economy and Business Committee before it is finally discussed by the entire municipal council.
