Greenland’s Tourism Surge in 2025: Growth Prospects for 2026 Amid U.S. Takeover Tensions

NUUK, Greenland (TRI) — Greenland, the world’s largest island and a beacon for adventure seekers, experienced a banner year for tourism in 2025, with visitor numbers surging thanks to enhanced accessibility and global interest in its pristine Arctic landscapes. As the autonomous Danish territory looks ahead to 2026 — with new airports and infrastructure on the horizon — the sector’s momentum is tempered by geopolitical clouds, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed push for American control over the island.

Tourism in 2025 built on a strong 2024 foundation, where the industry contributed 1.245 billion Danish kroner (about $180 million) to the economy, accounting for 4.9% of GDP and supporting 1,800 direct jobs. Preliminary data for 2025 shows continued growth: In June alone, visitor arrivals reached 10,655, a 26.3% increase year-over-year. Overall, air passengers and cruise visitors pushed totals higher, with international flights seeing a 14% rise in January compared to 2024. Hotel nights climbed steadily, reflecting a decade-long trend from 210,000 in 2014 to over 355,000 in 2024, with 2025 on track to exceed that.

The opening of Nuuk’s new international airport in November 2024 was a game-changer, enabling direct flights from hubs like New York (via United Airlines starting June 2025) and boosting connectivity from Europe. This infrastructure upgrade, part of a $800 million investment, has made Greenland more accessible, drawing eco-tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and adventure travelers to its UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, dramatic fjords, and vibrant Inuit communities.

Key Attractions Driving 2025’s Boom

Greenland’s allure lies in its raw, untouched beauty and unique experiences. Highlights include:

• Northern Lights and Midnight Sun: The island’s high-latitude position offers prime viewing of the aurora borealis, especially in winter, alongside extended daylight in summer for hiking and boating.
• Icebergs and Glaciers: The Sermeq Kujalleq glacier in Ilulissat, producing ice equivalent to New York City’s annual water use daily, remains a top draw.
• Inuit Culture and Wildlife: Visitors engaged in cultural tours, whale-watching, and dog-sledding, supporting local economies in regions like Disko Bay and South Greenland.
• Cruise and Air Travel: Cruise passengers dominated, with expedition and conventional ships bringing diverse nationalities, while air arrivals grew with new routes.

Sustainability emerged as a core theme, with Greenland’s first Tourism Act effective from 2025 introducing licensing for operators (requiring two-thirds local ownership), zoning to protect vulnerable areas, and a 30 kroner ($4.30) nightly visitor tax. This aligns with a 10-year strategy aiming for tourism to reach 40% of exports by 2035, prioritizing “value-creating” experiences over mass volume.

Despite the growth, challenges persist: Capacity analyses warn of accommodation shortages in Nuuk and Ilulissat by 2026-2030, and climate change impacts like melting ice threaten the very attractions drawing visitors.

Outlook for 2026: Expansion and Uncertainty

Looking to 2026, Greenland’s tourism sector is poised for further acceleration. New international airports in Ilulissat (opening mid-2026) and Qaqortoq will enhance access to northern and southern regions, potentially doubling inbound seat capacity from 55,000 (April-August 2025) to 105,000 in the same period. Direct flights from California and expanded European routes are expected, alongside a peak aurora cycle boosting winter visits.

The government aims to extend the season year-round, spread visitors beyond hotspots, and double employment in the industry by 2035. However, growth will be “organic” to avoid overwhelming infrastructure, with a focus on regenerative practices amid rising “coolcation” trends.

Trump’s Takeover Quest Adds Geopolitical Twist

Complicating the outlook is U.S. President Donald Trump’s persistent calls for American control over Greenland, revived in early 2026 for national security, resource access, and countering Russian/Chinese influence. Trump has stated anything short of U.S. ownership is “unacceptable,” even hinting at military options if negotiations fail. Greenlandic and Danish leaders have firmly rejected this, warning it could end NATO alliances.

While Trump’s 2019 proposal ironically boosted curiosity and visits in 2025, escalating tensions could deter tourists, disrupt flights, or shift focus from eco-tourism to security concerns. Greenland emphasizes its sovereignty, with locals expressing fears over cultural and environmental impacts. U.S. polls show low support for forced acquisition, but bipartisan congressional visits to Denmark signal ongoing diplomacy.

As Greenland navigates this boom and geopolitical spotlight, its commitment to sustainable, community-led tourism remains key to preserving its unique appeal.