Greenland is trending — but not for the reasons you think. Searches for Intrepid’s Greenland Expedition spiked 94%. New airports, direct flights, political drama, and rising temps are driving serious buzz. But this blog goes deeper. In this month’s Wanderful x Intrepid Travel series, we explore why Greenland could be travel’s next big frontier.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Intrepid. Read our full disclosure statement here.

Let’s be real: it’s not every day that a destination the size of Texas makes headlines for both its politics and otherworldly beauty. But that’s exactly what’s happening in Greenland—and if you’re a travel creator, world traveler, or entrepreneur, now is the time to pay attention. 

In the past few weeks, clicks to Intrepid Travel’s Greenland trip spiked by 94%, and U.S.-based Google searches for “Greenland travel” surged. Meanwhile, impressions are up 73%, meaning more people are not only looking—but finding and sharing. 

So, what’s behind the buzz? And more importantly, how do we ensure this isn’t just another tourism boom that sidelines local communities and steamrolls fragile ecosystems? 

Let’s break it down. 

A man hiking in Greenland

A Land Like No Other (and Almost Untouched) 

Greenland is 10x the size of the UK, yet last year welcomed under 150,000 visitors—a tiny number compared to Iceland’s 2 million. But change is coming fast.  

This summer, direct flights from New York to Nuuk begin. A brand-new international airport is opening. And in the middle of all this momentum? A real opportunity to help write a new, more equitable tourism playbook.  

While cruise ships have long dominated tourism in Greenland, their economic benefits rarely touch the communities they visit.  

That’s why Intrepid launched its first-ever land-based, small-group Greenland Expedition, designed to connect travelers with real people, real culture, and real impact. 

Why This Matters Now—Especially for Women in Travel 

From your newsletters to your Instagram captions to your brand story—you shape how people think about travel. And right now, how we frame Greenland matters. A lot. 

We’re seeing a perfect storm of interest: 

  • Political posturing (remember Trump wanting to “buy” Greenland?) 
  • Climate urgency (it’s warming faster than anywhere on earth) 
  • New travel infrastructure (airport + direct U.S. flights) 
  • And the rise of the “coolcation” trend, as U.S. travelers seek refuge from extreme heat 

Peep our latest Not Hot List 2025, prominently featuring Greenland’s Disko Island on the cover.   

That surge in curiosity is powerful—but it also comes with responsibility. Because while Greenland is “open for business,” the real question is: who gets to shape its future? 

Unlike its Nordic neighbors, Greenland is trying to do it differently—with Indigenous voices at the center, and community-led experiences defining the narrative. And as women leading the future of travel, we can either amplify that story—or let it get lost in the noise. 

A view of icebergs

3 Things You Can Do Right Now: 

  1. Start Telling the Story of Emerging Destinations, Differently 

Frame Greenland not just as a beautiful place (it is!)—but as a country at a crossroads. Talk about Indigenous leadership, climate resilience, and the human side of tourism. 

This is storytelling that educates and empowers, not just sells. 

Example: Instead of “See glaciers before they’re gone,” try “Learn Greenlandic mythology from a local storyteller under the midnight sun.” 

  1. Lean Into the Coolcation Trend With Intention 

Travelers are looking north to escape the heat—but it’s not just about cooler temps. It’s about rethinking what peak travel looks like. Promote off-season trips. Shift itineraries to less-trafficked regions. Encourage depth over speed. 

Intrepid’s Greenland Expedition is a model: a 10-day trip that hikes across glaciers, visits remote settlements, and shares kaffemik (traditional coffee gatherings) in local homes. 

  1. Put Your Partnerships Where Your Values Are 

Consumers are paying attention to where their dollars go. Work with operators who prioritize Indigenous-owned businesses, land-based alternatives to cruise tourism, and sustainable infrastructure. 

Intrepid Travel is working directly with Visit Greenland to ensure our trips put money into local hands—not foreign cruise corporations. 

Coastal view of Greenland

Why This Is a Business Opportunity—Not Just a Feel-Good Story 

Travel’s changing—fast. Climate chaos, burnout, overtourism. People want real, purpose-driven experiences they’re proud to share. 

Intrepid’s Greenland Expedition launches July 4 and is nearly sold out. This isn’t a trend—it’s a turning point. 

Let’s make it one that centers culture, climate, and community—told by the people who live it.