Proposed Greenland Tourism Law could impede expedition cruising

The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators raised concerns that Greenland's proposed tourism law could impede expedition cruising's development, particularly in remote areas.

A virtual meeting to discuss the legislation was scheduled today between AECO members and Naaja H. Nathanielsen, Greenland's minister for business, trade, mineral resources, justice and gender equality.

License requirement, access limits

The proposal includes the requirement for a license for tourism activities, which will be available only to persons or companies fully taxable and resident in Greenland, and a mandate to implement zones limiting access to some areas.

AECO said the law would restrict essential activities, such as landings and Zodiac tours in uninhabited regions, which form the core of expedition cruising.

Exploring Carlsberg Fjord by Zodiac PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

The association warned such restrictions may reduce Greenland’s appeal as a primary destination, limiting cruise stops to a few areas in southwest Greenland.

Most cruises — on all the bigger, mainstream ships but also smaller expedition vessels — visit West Greenland, home to the capital, Nuuk, where an international airport is scheduled to open later this month.

Nuuk has fewer than 20,000 residents, while the total population of the world's largest island is only 56,000, with most people living in the southwest.

East Greenland has just very small communities and, up north, the uninhabited world's largest national park is explored only by expedition vessels

Last year a grounding for several days in this remote area raised red flags in the Inatsisartut, Greenland's parliament.

AECO concerns acknowledged

Nathanielsen has acknowledged AECO's concerns but emphasized the law’s purpose is to strengthen local tourism involvement.

The legislation proposes a two-year transition period for cruise operators to collaborate with local providers and allows for possible exemptions in areas lacking tourism infrastructure.

Nathanielsen has indicated exceptions may be made for companies in remote areas, though the law must generally be upheld.

The legislation got a second reading on Friday in the Inatsisartut.