Greenland, the world’s largest island, is gearing up for a significant increase in American tourists, with projections indicating that the number of U.S. visitors may double by next year. As traditional vacation spots become overcrowded, travelers are increasingly turning to less-explored regions like Greenland, which boasts stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and unique wildlife. To accommodate this expected influx, the island is enhancing its infrastructure and implementing new regulations.
Starting June 2025, United Airlines will launch a new direct route to Greenland, significantly improving accessibility to this remote destination. The seasonal flights, departing from the U.S., will provide a more convenient option compared to the traditional layovers currently required. The route will be operated by a United Airlines 787 MAX 8 aircraft, accommodating 166 passengers, and will run twice a week. This development marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time an American airline offers nonstop flights to Greenland.
Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer of United Airlines, highlighted the airline’s strategy, stating, “We look for new destinations, we look for hot destinations and destinations, most importantly, we can make money in.” This new route underscores Greenland’s rising status as an attractive alternative for travelers seeking to escape the crowded hotspots of places like Iceland and Barcelona.
However, this anticipated surge in tourism poses significant challenges for Greenland, which is known for its limited infrastructure. The island currently lacks sufficient hotel accommodations to meet the needs of the expected visitor numbers. This limitation is one reason Air Greenland has not previously offered nonstop flights from the U.S. In response, Greenland’s tourism officials are working quickly to expand capacity, particularly in Ilulissat, a town famous for its breathtaking ice fjords.
In 2018, Greenland invested over $700 million to enhance its tourism infrastructure, which included the construction of three new airports to improve air travel. The first of these airports, located in the capital city of Nuuk, is scheduled to open next month and will serve as a hub for Air Greenland. Additional airports in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq are expected to open in the coming years, further enhancing connectivity across the vast and sparsely populated island.
To manage the increasing visitor numbers, the Greenlandic government is also considering new tourism regulations. A proposed law introduced in May 2024 would categorize the country into red, yellow, and green zones. This zoning system aims to regulate access to various areas, with green zones open to all tourists, yellow zones subject to restrictions, and red zones entirely off-limits to protect the environment and local communities. The goal of these regulations is to promote tourism while preventing the overcrowding issues that have affected other popular destinations worldwide.
While Greenland’s natural beauty and remoteness attract tourists, they also present logistical challenges. The island, three times the size of Texas, has limited overland travel infrastructure, with few roads connecting different regions. Consequently, visitors will primarily rely on small planes or boats for inter-destination travel.
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, estimates that available seats on flights to Greenland could double to 105,000 during the peak season from April to August 2025, up from 55,000 in the same period of 2023. While welcoming the surge in tourism, Lauridsen expressed concerns about potential overcapacity, particularly in smaller towns and remote areas.
“Like in Barcelona, you get tired of tourists because it’s too much, and it pushes out the locals,” Lauridsen noted. “It’s finding this balance of showing the love for Greenland and showcasing its incredible opportunities without overwhelming it too quickly.”
Tourism is already a vital part of Greenland’s economy. In 2023, foreign visitors contributed over $270 million to the local economy, according to Visit Greenland, the government-owned tourism agency. The island experienced a 9% increase in air travelers, and cruise ship tourism reached an all-time high with 76,477 passengers. Notably, U.S. tourists accounted for 43.6% of cruise passengers, making them the largest group of visitors.
As Greenland prepares for this expected wave of American travelers, efforts are underway to ensure that its infrastructure and policies can support increased demand without compromising the island’s pristine environment and cultural heritage. While tourism offers significant economic opportunities, the challenge will be to adopt a sustainable approach that benefits both visitors and locals alike.
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