Earlier this week, President Trump shared his interest in purchasing Greenland. And though Denmark responded saying Greenland is not for sale—with Denmark’s Prime Minister calling the President’s remarks absurd—the fact that the world’s largest island made the headlines did spike up traveler’s interest in visiting this autonomous country of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland’s Tourist Board reported an uptick in traveler interest among Americans, but the interest in traveling to this snow-covered land is not new.
According to the Visit Greenland website, “In 2015, 3,299 American flight passengers traveled out of Greenland. In 2018, the number was 4,285, which equates to an increase of 30 percent over the three years. Furthermore, 2,212 American cruise guests entered Greenland in 2015 and 3,691 in 2017 (the numbers on 2018 are not published as of yet), which marks an increase of 67 percent over 2 years. USA is one of Greenland’s core markets for incoming tourists after Denmark and Germany.”
Tour operator Intrepid Travel reported a 237 percent increase in web traffic to its Greenland web pages over the weekend. “Greenland’s tourism industry is still quite young. The nation is one of the few places left on Earth that can be described as truly remote and wild,” notes Intrepid Travel in press materials.
If your clients are among those who are now interested in booking a trip to Greenland, Intrepid Travel has expanded its Greenland product over the last few years. And new for 2020 is the company’s 8-day Greenland Expedition itinerary, which will take travelers into a local’s home where they’ll enjoy kaffeemik—a unique Greenlandic tradition and casual celebration where sweets and conversation are shared. Guests will also cruise through broken icebergs to the tiny fishing community of Oqaatsut, and then head off to a hike through archaeological sites, gorges, and craggy hillsides. During their trip to Greenland, your clients will also visit the modern capital of Nuuk, where colorful Nordic houses take center stage, and artisan clothing boutiques and gourmet restaurants can be found. Guests will stay at the Ilulissat Icefjord where they will watch the frosted peaks of icebergs from the shore as they explore the village.
“While we have previously offered cruise trips to Greenland, this is our first land-based product that allows customers to further immerse in the culture and support local businesses,” said Steph Millington, Intrepid Travel’s regional product manager for Europe, in press materials. “Tourism is in its infancy here in contrast to more popular destinations, so with demand for Greenland increasing, it’s really down to the trailblazers to set a precedent to visit the country in a responsible and sustainable manner for those who may follow in their footsteps,” he noted.
Other bookable itineraries to Greenland with Intrepid Travel include the 15-day Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay, the 14-day East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights, and the 15-day Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland—Northbound
For more information, visit intrepidtravel.com/us. Don’t miss more travel trends for 2019 with Intrepid Travel. Click here to get inspired with more trips across the globe.
