Latest news with #AnetteGronkjaerLings
West Australian
02-08-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Greenland is planning tourism on its own terms
It must create value, pride and new local opportunities. It should benefit the whole country. And, to bring this to reality, Greenland has developed a comprehensive 10-year strategy. It looks beyond the global traditional focus visitor numbers and to prioritises 'value-creating tourism'. The 10-year strategy spearheaded by Visit Greenland sets a framework for strategic priorities and initiatives between now and 2035. And it is timely. A new international airport opened in the capital, Nuuk, in November 2024. It's a pivotal moment, as this completely shifts access to Greenland. It lines it up as a reachable Arctic destination. The first United Airlines direct flight from New York to Nuuk arrived in June, 2025. And Visit Greenland's partnership with Icelandair has brought a significant increase in visitors. But Greenland is committed to manage tourism growth on its own terms. Visit Greenland is the country's national tourist board and its chair, Anette Gronkjaer Lings, is the founder of Greenland Dog Adventure. The company, which is now run by her daughter, Julia, is 'committed to the conservation, protection, and study of the Greenland sled dog and its cultural heritage.' It has more than 40 Greenland sled dogs and its preservation program. The company's mission statement adds: 'Our integrated approach includes close collaboration with local communities, governments, and international partners to ensure the survival of this iconic species and the traditions it supports.' Annette started the company after seeing the decline of the country's sled dog population, as modernisation of tools and hunting methods and the impact of climate change reduced the need for ice-based transportation. Melting ice has meant more use of boats for fishing and hunting. Her own business is an embodiment of the 10-year strategy: 'The strategy focuses on strengthening tourism development with consideration and respect for nature, culture and people. It clarifies how the organisation will work towards making tourism a responsible and long-term driver of societal development, focusing on creating value, pride and new opportunities locally. 'Visit Greenland's job is to bring stakeholders together, promote collaboration and develop solutions that create real and lasting value — locally and nationally.' It's quality over quantity, ensuring tourism contributes meaningfully to Greenlandic society rather than simply generating revenue. Anette adds: 'Greenland is experiencing increasing international attention, new airports and a growing interest from travellers abroad, which creates great opportunities for our country but also significant responsibilities. 'With this strategy, Visit Greenland takes clear responsibility for seizing opportunities wisely and contributing to tourism development for the benefit of both the population and our guests.' THREE LANDMARKS Visit Greenland's strategy has three key objectives — benchmarks for tourism development towards 2035. + Tourism must be co-created. The strategy says: :'We want people to feel ownership and co-responsibility, and we want tourism to be something we develop with — not around — the people who live in the country.' + Focus on value creation. 'It's not just the number of visitors, but also the quality of their stay, engagement and contribution to society that takes centre stage. Tourism should benefit the whole country, both geographically and year-round, and boost local businesses, jobs and experiences.' + Tourism must be developed in balance with the country's most valuable resources: nature, culture and community. 'Tourism must not erode what makes Kalaallit Nunaat special. It must be responsible — both in practice and in principle — and developed with respect for all that we share.' fact file Visit Greenland: Greenland Dog Adventure:
West Australian
02-08-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Anette lives her philosophy
Anette Gronkjaer Lings lives Greenland's philosophy for its future in tourism. For she is also chief executive of Hotel Sisimiut, in Sisimiut, on the west coast of Greenland — a hotel community that is deeply rooted in Greenland's culture and history. With a population of about 5500 people, Sisimiut is the biggest business centre north of the national capital of Nuuk and one of the fastest growing cities in Greenland. Its reputation as a good, central base for travellers to experience the country's culture and adventures has grown in recent years. Hotel Sisimiut is a three-star hotel with 40 rooms, and a gourmet restaurant and a bar. A spokesperson for the team there says: 'The hotel was founded with a vision to provide travellers with an authentic experience where modern hospitality meets Greenland's spectacular and untamed nature. 'From the very beginning, Hotel Sisimiut has taken pride in offering comfortable facilities and exciting experiences that bring guests closer to the Arctic landscape.' Rooms are comfortable and it has a wilderness bath and sauna, from which guests can see the Northern Lights or glow of the midnight sun. But the spokesperson explains: 'Hotel Sisimiut is more than just a hotel — it is an integral part of the Sisimiut community, combining accommodation, dining, tours and a shop to offer authentic Greenlandic experiences. As a locally owned business, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism while preserving Greenland's culture and natural resources. 'Beyond food, we invest in local artisans, ensuring they have a stable income year-round, even outside the tourist season. 'By purchasing handmade crafts through structured agreements, we help sustain Greenland's cultural heritage while offering visitors high-quality, locally made souvenirs.' The hotel supports cultural and sports initiatives, including vocational training for students and cultural events. And the spokesperson adds: 'At the heart of our vision is Anette Gronkjaer Lings, who grew up in Sisimiut and has a deep passion for developing the town and its surrounding wilderness. 'Together with her partner Bo, she has built Backcountry Greenland, a universe of experiences that includes Hotel Sisimiut, wilderness lodges, fly-fishing camps, Backcountry Tours and Greenland Dog Adventure, an initiative dedicated to preserving the Greenlandic sled dog. 'The next generation is also deeply involved, with her daughter Julia leading the training and development of our many sled dogs, ensuring that this cherished tradition continues to thrive.' The team at Hotel Sisimiut can also put together packages for guests. These depend on season — sled dogs, snow mobiles in winter. Northern Lights in their peak season. ATV, Backcountry and culture. In the warmer months, from June to October, that could be an ATV (all terrain vehicle, or quad bike) trip to Nerumaaq fjord, to an Arctic Circle viewpoint, or into the mountains. Northern Lights excursions by ATV are from June to October. In the cold months, from December to April, there will be dog sledding and snow mobiles. From January to April there are Backcountry trips by snow mobiles. From June to October there is a boat cruise to the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq, and also an Inuit hike. There is general winter mountain hiking from December to April. As a guide to prices, a 1½ hour Northern Lights adventure is from $238 (DKK 955). A 4-hour dog sled tour is from $503 (DKK 2100) and the Inuit hike is from $71 (DKK 300).
