New Director at Visit Ilulissat Aims to Boost Local Tourism
On February 1, Karsten Høy officially stepped into his role as the director of Visit Ilulissat, the tourism promotion company established by Avannaata Kommunia. The initiative aims to bolster the tourism sector in Ilulissat, especially with plans for a new international airport set to launch later this year.
Høy, a seasoned businessman, highlighted the significance of Ilulissat as a tourism hub. “Ilulissat is a huge brand. People know the city, and there is tremendous potential not just for tourism, but also for creating lasting job opportunities for young people,” he noted, expressing his enthusiasm for leading this effort.
Growing up in Ilulissat, Høy sees his return as more than a professional opportunity; it feels like a homecoming. “It’s important that we foster strong local involvement in our development efforts. The community deserves its fair share of the economic benefits,” he emphasized.
Høy brings substantial industry experience to his new role. For 15 years, he led Nalik Ventures, a business promotion company under the Greenlandic government, before briefly taking on the director position at Greenland Ruby. He understands the unique challenges of growing businesses in Greenland, stating, “Developing businesses here requires patience, dialogue, and collaboration across the board. It’s ingrained in me.”
As he embarks on this new chapter, Høy is focused on harnessing the region’s potential and ensuring sustainable growth for both the tourism sector and the local community.