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Greenland’s Tourism Boom: Trump Effect And New Airports Drive Growth

Greenland is witnessing a surge in tourism, fueled by renewed international attention following remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump and a wave of new infrastructure projects. The opening of Nuuk’s new international airport has significantly improved access, with direct flights from New York set to begin in June.

Key Facts

  • 14% rise in international arrivals: Statistics Greenland reported a sharp increase in January year-on-year.
  • Hotel stays surged: 355,000 nights recorded last year, up from 210,000 in 2014.
  • Nuuk Airport opened in November, streamlining travel and bypassing layovers in Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq.
  • Ilulissat and Qaqortoq to get international airports, further boosting accessibility.
  • Three-quarters of tour operators saw increased bookings after Nuuk Airport’s opening.

The Bigger Picture

Greenland’s tourism momentum comes amid U.S. interest in the Arctic island’s rare earth minerals, critical for high-tech industries. While Trump’s idea of acquiring Greenland sparked controversy, it undeniably placed the region in the global spotlight. The country now aims to diversify its economy—currently 95% dependent on fishing—by leveraging tourism and mining.

With breathtaking glaciers, deep fjords, and a rich Inuit cultural heritage, Greenland’s tourism industry is poised for unprecedented growth.

Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.

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