A Surge in Tasiilaq’s Tourism: Arctic Dreams Reports Over 30% Growth in 2025
Lars Anker-Møller, the director and owner of Arctic Dreams in Tasiilaq, recently shared his excitement about a remarkable achievement: a growth rate of over 30% for the company in 2025 compared to the previous year. “While I don’t have precise figures just yet,” he told Sermitsiaq, “the upward trend is undeniable.”
This year’s tourist season was unprecedented, extending well beyond the usual September cutoff, continuing robustly into October, November, and December. “It was absolutely crazy,” he remarked, highlighting the impact of Air Iceland’s cessation of flights to Kulusuk on October 1. “Traditionally, the season wraps up by the end of September, but this year shattered all previous records.”
Several factors have fueled this growth, notably an increased global focus on Greenland as a travel destination. Many tourists traveling through Iceland have seized the opportunity to explore the East Greenlandic landscape. Additionally, Anker-Møller pointed to the improved boating infrastructure as a key contributor to the extended season, emphasizing that the upgraded vessels allow for safer navigation of the region’s waters.
Challenges in Flight Availability
Despite the success, Arctic Dream has faced challenges with flight connectivity. “We’ve always had to navigate uncertainties regarding flights to Kulusuk, but this year has also brought unpredictability around flights to Nuuk,” Anker-Møller noted. These disruptions have created hurdles for customers, leading to delays or cancellations. He expressed optimism about future improvements, hoping for enhanced flight safety to accommodate more tourists.
The reliance on helicopter services between Kulusuk and Tasiilaq complicates matters further, as inclement weather often leads to cancellations. Consequently, there is growing political momentum to relocate the airport from Kulusuk to Tasiilaq. Anker-Møller believes this shift could significantly impact Kulusuk’s development, but ultimately, an airport in Tasiilaq would strengthen connections between settlements and eliminate the uncertainty currently tied to air transportation.
Exploring Development Opportunities
With an eye toward the future, Anker-Møller sees abundant untapped potential for development in Kulusuk and other local areas. Having lived in Kummiut for three years, he understands the landscape well. His 25 years of experience in the region have allowed him to forge a vast network, which he leverages to enhance his business model and cultivate new revenue streams for the local community throughout the year.
Arctic Dream is committed to developing products tailored for tourists, aligning with both global tourism trends, notably the increasing interest in nature and ecology, and local political aspirations for tourism growth. Anker-Møller emphasized their mission: “We want to create local jobs, and that is a top priority for us.”
Pioneering New Experiences for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, the company is poised for an exciting winter season. “We’re nearly sold out for winter tourism,” Anker-Møller revealed, adding that new tour offerings in Kulusuk were snapped up almost immediately. Unlike the West Coast, Tasiilaq offers extensive multi-day sleigh rides where tourists stay in cabins along the route—an experience that has resonated well with visitors.
Addressing initial language barriers, he noted that local guides are increasingly equipped with English skills. The positive feedback from tourists underscores the value of direct interaction with locals, enriching their experience and fostering cultural exchange.
The growth of Arctic Dream represents a significant alignment with political aspirations for local tourism development. Whereas foreign operators once dominated the field, Anker-Møller is now prioritizing local guides and businesses, creating a more integrated ecosystem that benefits the community.
As the company navigates logistical complexities, especially with summer tourism still to be determined, Anker-Møller is optimistic. “Most of our tour sales occur in March, April, and May,” he explained.
In 2025, Arctic Dream expanded its workforce, employing 19 permanent staff members to facilitate tourism activities across the seasons. Local trappers have also benefitted, earning additional income by transporting guests on sleds.
Recognition for Arctic Dream has been plentiful, including the Greenland Tourist Award in 2019 and nominations for the same honor in 2023 and 2024, along with a win for Greenland’s Entrepreneurship Award in 2016. As Lars Anker-Møller continues to lead his burgeoning company, he remains attuned to both customer desires and the evolving landscape of Greenland’s tourism industry, ensuring that Arctic Dreams remains a standout in East Greenland.