One Year Later: Nuuk’s New Airport Transforms Tourism
On November 28, Hotel Hans Egede celebrated a milestone: it marked one year since the inauguration of Nuuk’s new international airport, which for the first time has made direct travel to and from the Arctic capital a reality, eliminating the need for inconvenient and costly stopovers.
In a press release reflecting on this significant anniversary, the hotel group noted the remarkable surge in visitor numbers to the city, indicating a profound shift in the landscape of tourism and business throughout Greenland.
The hospitality sector as a whole shares in this optimism. Helge Tang, the chairman of the Industry Committee for Hotels, Restaurants, and Tourism under Greenland’s Business, expressed his enthusiasm for the new airport’s impact. “Although the airport has faced some initial challenges, its first year signifies immense potential for Nuuk,” Tang stated. “The international airport has given a substantial boost to tourism in the capital. It’s exciting to hear that a date has been set for the airport in South Greenland, and we eagerly anticipate further developments in Ilulissat. This will allow various regions to reap the benefits that come with a burgeoning tourism industry.”
Tang, who also chairs the HHE group’s board of directors, further noted progress on a new hotel project in close proximity to the airport. Plans are underway for a 120-room hotel to accommodate the growing influx of visitors.
A Shift in Guest Demographics
For Hotel Hans Egede A/S, which operates the Hotel Hans Egede, HHE Express, and Nuuk Hotel Apartments, the past year has been historic. Traditionally reliant on business travelers, the hotel group reports that for the first time, tourism now constitutes a significant portion of its clientele.
“The airport’s opening has fundamentally altered the tourism landscape in Nuuk. We’ve witnessed a stable and commercially viable tourist season, even during the summer, a time that previously saw very little activity—a new era for the city,” remarked Christian Loiborg Tang, deputy director of Hotel Hans Egede A/S.
With both the Hotel Hans Egede and HHE Express experiencing a steady increase in bookings throughout the year, the momentum shows little sign of slowing. Advance reservations for the upcoming tourist season are already surpassing previous records, according to the hotel group.
“We’re optimistic about the upcoming year. The direct access to Nuuk means we’re far more appealing to vacationers, corporate gatherings, and international operators alike. This represents a new foundation for our business and reinforces our belief in the city’s tourism potential,” Tang added.
As the airline route network expands, Hotel Hans Egede A/S anticipates continued growth, focusing on enhancing capacity, experiences, and product offerings in Nuuk.
Reflecting on the past year, the opening of the airport is seen as a momentous turning point in Greenland’s tourism and business landscape.
“We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this airport to fruition—from planning and construction to day-to-day operations and our wonderful colleagues across the tourism sector. This past year has transformed Nuuk, and we look forward to what lies ahead,” Tang concluded. Notably, Tang will transition out of his role as deputy director of HHE at the end of the year, a development that will be discussed further in this publication.