Before Greenland is plastered with signs for Big Mac and Coca Cola, assuming President Donald Trump prevails in annexing the autonomous territory, travel companies are keen for more international visitors to explore one of the world’s most remote destinations.
Trump has recently reignited interest in Greenland by expressing a desire for the US to acquire the territory, citing its strategic importance. However, Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected this idea, asserting their sovereignty. Despite this, the potential for geopolitical changes looms, adding an extra layer of significance to Greenland’s tourism appeal.
Australian-based tour operator Intrepid Travel plans to increase the number of visitors to Greenland - currently around 140,000 visitors annually - while safeguarding its status as a pristine, culturally-rich and ‘final frontier’ destination.
Intrepid will launch its first small group expeditions to Greenland in July, introducing travellers to the land of the Inuits, “the guardians of the Arctic”.
Intrepid is building relationships with Greenland’s many small communities, emphasising a “listening-first” approach, to ensure tourism aligns with community needs and values.
It is training local tour guides and collaborating with family-run businesses and local entrepreneurs to help develop community-driven travel offerings.
“We are trying to see how we can find that sweet spot between what the destination needs, what the tourists want and what the locals can actually provide,” said Tanny Por, head of international relations at Visit Greenland.
She conceded that long-term, Greenland was likely to remain an expensive, high-end destination because of its remoteness and the expense of travelling around the region by small planes or helicopters. And, often, dog sledge.