As the booking figures for the summer of 2020 do not look particularly intoxicating, the Greenland government has announced further financial support. Greenlandic tour operators are to be helped to survive in the coming months. The latest aid package provides for discounts on hotels and tours for tourists who choose to travel within Greenland.

The events of the last few weeks have changed at a breathtaking pace, and the Corona virus has shown the enormous impact it has on the world and our daily lives. Travel currently is less about anticipation and more about worries and uncertainties.

On June 15, 2020, Greenland, at the same time as Denmark, began to open its borders in 3 stages.

“Several tourism companies are now reporting that they are concerned about the coming summer season,” the Greenland government said in a press release. You can see that they have received significantly fewer pre-season bookings. The number of tourists travelling to Greenland over the summer is likely to be considerably lower than it was before COVID-19″.

Help through the summer season

The new aid package helps hotels and tourism companies to offer COVID-19 discounts. Companies can then reclaim them from the government. COVID-19 discounts for hotels amount to up to 500 Danish crowns (approx. 70 euros). Discounts for tours will be up to 300 Danish crowns (approx. 40 euros).

“From the business community we hear that the tourism industry in particular expects a significant impact in the coming period. That is why we are pleased to be able to organise the new regulations that can help the tourism industry throughout the summer season.”

‘The coronavirus crisis is taking longer and more comprehensively than originally thought,’ said a joint statement from several Greenlandic organisations welcoming the new industry-specific aid package. The aid package is to be in force until 30 September 2020.

Entry destination for Greenland

It is recommended to find out the current entry regulations before travelling to Greenland, as these may change according to the current situation.

From June 15, 2020, a maximum of 600 passengers per week will be allowed to enter Greenland. Travellers must have completed a negative coronavirus test, which is no more than 5 days old, as well as the “Sumut form”, which informs where travellers are staying and with whom they will have contact. Upon arrival, arrivals must be quarantined immediately. 5 days after entry you have to be tested in a regional hospital for COVID-19. If the test is negative, the quarantine can be terminated.

Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal