Media: New airport and Trump's comments drive boost in Greenland tourism

Greenland is witnessing a surge in tourism, thanks to high-profile statements from US President Donald Trump and the recent opening of a new international airport in its capital, Nuuk.

Ivik Knudssen-Ostermann, the owner of Greenland Cruises, which offers boat tours to view the island's stunning blue icebergs, says his bank has advised him to expand operations in anticipation of an influx of tourists. He attributes much of the surge in bookings to the global attention Greenland has received following Trump's remarks, Caliber.Az reports citing the latest material by Reuters.

"Already now, we are getting many more bookings than we have received earlier, especially because of a man with the last name of Trump. He has really put Greenland on the map once again," Knudssen-Ostermann said as he stood on the dock of an ice-packed harbour.

Greenland caught the world’s attention in January when Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US president, arrived at the newly opened Nuuk airport. This visit, along with President Trump's continued remarks about the strategic importance of the Arctic island and its wealth of rare earth minerals, has sparked further interest in the region. Trump's interest in Greenland stems from its vast natural resources, which are crucial for high-tech industries.

The island, which relies heavily on fishing for 95% of its exports, is eager to diversify its economy by boosting tourism and tapping into its mining potential. Greenland's breathtaking landscapes — its expansive ice sheet, glaciers, deep fjords, and abundant marine life, including whales — are key attractions, while pride in the local Inuit culture is also rising.

The opening of Nuuk’s new international airport in November has made access to the island easier, with United Airlines set to begin direct flights from New York to Nuuk in June. Previously, travellers had to fly via Copenhagen and transit at the former US military base in Kangerlussuaq. Additionally, a new international airport is slated to open in Ilulissat, Greenland’s main tourist hub, by 2026, and another is under construction in Qaqortoq, located in southern Greenland.

"We will see quite a significant growth this summer already," said Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports.

While Knudssen-Ostermann is being advised to expand his business by acquiring more boats and hiring more staff, he remains cautious. "I want to see what the new airport brings us, what 2025 brings us. We don't know the future, so I'm holding back a little," he explained.

Recent data from Statistics Greenland reveals a 14% year-on-year increase in international flight passengers to the island as of January. The number of hotel nights has also steadily increased, reaching 355,000 last year, compared to 210,000 in 2014. According to Visit Greenland, three-quarters of tourism operators reported a rise in bookings in the three months following the opening of the new airport in Nuuk.

Lars Ipland, a Danish tourist visiting Nuuk, said the attention surrounding Greenland played a role in his decision to visit. "It's a part of Denmark, so I thought I have to see it. Now with all the attention, you don't know what's happening next week or if it's another flag up here or whatever they decide to do."

By Tamilla Hasanova