The Greenland government, Naalakkersuisut, called on cruise companies to avoid or limit sailings in the fjords due to excessive noise and their impact on wildlife. The administration is working on zones that will designate areas open to cruise ships and areas subject to restrictions under the Tourism Act.
While the number of tourists visiting Greenland rose by 8 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, reaching approximately 180 thousand, the number of cruise passengers fell to 93 thousand 897. While acknowledging the economic contribution of cruise tourism, the government stated that tourism should be developed on a sustainable basis that respects local people, nature and wildlife.
Why it matters
The decline in cruise passenger numbers while the total number of visitors is rising shows that tourism growth in Greenland is not solely dependent on ship traffic and that the administration is trying to distinguish between economic contribution and environmental pressure. Zoning under the Tourism Act means a new framework for cruise companies’ access to the fjords and sailing schedules. The regulation addresses the protection of local people’s living areas and wildlife alongside the increase in visitor numbers. The government’s acknowledgment of the sector’s economic contribution shows that the approach is based on managing activities according to sensitive areas rather than excluding cruise tourism altogether. However, it is not yet clear which areas will remain open, what types of restrictions will be imposed in others, or how the call will be turned into binding rules.