Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland raises concerns for tourism

President Trump’s revived interest in acquiring Greenland has introduced uncertainty for the territory’s tourism industry, industry leaders and local officials said, after bookings rose in 2024 and plans advanced for new airports. Tourism in Greenland had been rising for years, driven by government efforts to diversify the economy, melting ice that opened ports to cruise ships and wider fascination with the Arctic.

A tourism board survey found that 44 percent of businesses reported increased high-season bookings in 2025, and a new Nuuk airport opened to international flights late in 2024, including direct service from the United States. Two more airports — a domestic one in Qaqortoq and an international one in Ilulissat — are scheduled to open this year, and some predicted large increases in visitors to Ilulissat, which drew roughly 50,000 last year.

Industry operators report mixed immediate effects. Some companies said they were seeing delays in bookings rather than outright cancellations; one Dutch agency, Aurora Reizen, reported a 20 to 30 percent drop in bookings, and other operators also noted declines. Christian Keldsen, director of the Greenland Business Association, said he had heard from operators that fearful travelers were canceling trips, though there were no official figures.

Local officials said the pause could offer time to manage growth and avoid overtourism.

Key Topics

World, Greenland, Donald Trump, Nuuk, Ilulissat, Greenland Business Association