Tourism in Greenland

TRANSCRIPT
Tourism in Greenland

NARRATOR:
Tourism in Greenland is growing. Every year, more people come here to see its beautiful scenery and learn how ice and sea shape life here. In the capital city, Nuuk, the water taxi is full of visitors watching for whales close to the shore. Tour guides want to help tourists experience the country’s culture and nature in person.

SOUNDBITE - Nukartaa Andreassen:
"It's important for me to show our own culture, our own nature, not by television or like not by other people from other countries."

NARRATOR:
Visitors come from around the world to see this unique country. 

SOUNDBITE – Pinar Saatci:
"It's very exciting to be here at the other part of the world, so far away from home. It's very exciting! And unforgettable moments."

NARRATOR:
Some also want to travel in a way that helps nature and local people.

SOUNDBITE – Doug Jenzen:
"I came with the purpose of exploring some of the natural sites around the world’s largest island, hoping to support things like ecotourism and sustainable travel while supporting the local economy."

NARRATOR:
Tourism will probably grow even more, as new direct flights make it easier for visitors to come. People who work in tourism are happy to welcome more visitors, but they also want local people to help plan for the future.

SOUNDBITE – Casper Frank Møller:
"I think the most important part is that we do it in the correct way and we try to include as many parts of the Greenlandic population as possible."

NARRATOR:
Some travel experts worry that too many visitors could cause problems for local communities and the environment. However, local leaders think tourism can be good for the country. They see it as a chance to share Greenland’s stories and traditions with the world.
Tourism is still developing. Hotels and guesthouses are often only partly full, which shows there is room for growth. But it is important to manage tourism carefully to protect the land, the culture, and the people. If tourism grows in a respectful way, visitors can enjoy Greenland’s beauty for many years to come.