Donald Trump’s threats to take over Greenland have surprisingly boosted its tourism sector.
According to KNR, Greenland’s public broadcaster, the political crisis brought unprecedented global attention to the island as a travel destination.
A new survey by Visit Greenland shows that tourism in 2025 has so far developed positively, with many operators describing the year as good or very good.
Looking ahead, expectations are even higher.
Visit Greenland forecasts especially strong prospects for 2026, with rising global interest, confirmed bookings, and record visibility.
If framework conditions can be strengthened, tourism in 2026 could surpass the results of 2025 and mark a new high point for Greenland’s tourism sector, according to Visit Greenland.
One of the key developments in 2025 was the opening of Nuuk’s new international airport, including a direct flight connection to Newark Airport in the United States. Together with heightened media exposure, the new route has made Greenland more visible and accessible to international visitors.
Visit Greenland’s survey, based on responses from 61 tourism operators nationwide, shows rising visitor numbers and a more diverse international market.
Still, KNR notes that increased demand highlights ongoing challenges: transport disruptions, flight cancellations, and accommodation shortages, especially in northern and remote areas.
Despite these obstacles, Visit Greenland concludes that the tourism industry is well-positioned for further expansion. Improved coordination, more reliable transport systems, and increased accommodation capacity will be crucial if Greenland is to fully benefit from the increased global attention.
