AGP Executive Report

Cruise News: Seabourn’s 2029 summer program brings 166 voyages across Europe, Alaska and Canada, including a new Sweden–Finland itinerary and a return to Egypt. Greenland Expeditions: Polar operator Secret Atlas has appointed a North American sales director with firsthand field experience, aiming to grow advisor partnerships for its small-group Arctic trips. Arctic Sailing: The Norwegian replica Alma has completed a two-month Northwest Passage crossing; its captain says the voyage celebrates Norway’s seafaring heritage. Tourism and Environment: President Trump says oil and gas exploration is being prepared in Greenland, but the territory halted new exploration permits in 2021 over extraction costs and risks to fisheries, tourism and the environment. Adventure Yachts: A new 87-foot sailing catamaran is being built for a family world voyage; earlier boats in the range have sailed to Greenland and other remote destinations.

Resource Push: Trump says oil, gas and mineral exploration is being prepared in Greenland, but gave no details on companies or US involvement. Greenland controls its own permits and stopped issuing new oil and gas licences in 2021, citing risks to fisheries, tourism and the environment. Greenland-US Relations: Foreign Minister Mute Egede says US claims to the territory seriously damaged trust. Greenland’s parliament is debating a security pact that would expand US military access and allow two new bases. Arctic Voyages: The Norwegian sailboat replica Alma has completed a Northwest Passage crossing, taking about two months. Cruise Science: HX Expeditions says Arctic passengers and crews made a record 26,491 research contributions this season; the operator also trialled AI to detect whales, a potential aid to safer wildlife encounters on polar voyages.

Polar Travel: Secret Atlas has appointed Laura Gerwin, a veteran of polar field operations, to lead North American travel-advisor partnerships for its Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Arctic Cruises: HX says passengers on 31 Arctic sailings made 26,491 science submissions; the operator also trialled AI whale detection and extended its Greenland Promise through 2028. Greenland Trips: Western Greenland is being highlighted as more accessible than ever, while Adventure Canada has expanded its 2028 expedition collection. Northwest Passage: A Norwegian replica sailboat has completed the route in about two months.

Nuuk Connections: United’s seasonal Nuuk service remains a small but notable link: the capital is among the airline’s least-served destinations, and United is the only North American carrier flying there. Arctic Expedition Cruises: HX says its 31 Arctic sailings generated 26,491 citizen-science contributions and included an AI whale-detection trial aboard Fram; the operator has also extended its Greenland Promise through 2028.

Getting to Greenland: Ilulissat’s new international airport has opened with direct Copenhagen flights, improving access to western Greenland. Expedition Cruises: Adventure Canada’s 2028 Northwest Passage: Eastern Gateway voyage will visit Greenland’s west coast and Ilulissat Icefjord before continuing into Nunavut. A recent HX voyage retraced Roald Amundsen’s route through the Passage, blending Arctic scenery, wildlife and Inuit culture. Science at Sea: HX reports 26,491 citizen-science submissions from 31 Arctic sailings and trialled AI and thermal imaging to detect whales — technology that could help reduce ship-strike risks. Remote Travel: More luxury travelers are choosing privacy and hard-to-reach destinations over traditional hotel comforts, a trend that could raise Greenland’s appeal.

Cruise Research: HX’s Arctic season brought 26,491 citizen-science contributions, and a trial used AI and thermal imaging to detect whales — technology that could help protect wildlife on Greenland voyages. Getting There: Ilulissat’s new international airport has opened with direct Copenhagen flights, while western Greenland is increasingly accessible to visitors. Expedition Plans: Adventure Canada’s 2028 Northwest Passage trip will explore Greenland’s west coast, including Ilulissat Icefjord, before continuing into Canada’s Arctic. Nuuk Flights: United’s seasonal service to Nuuk remains one of its least-frequent routes, so travelers should check schedules carefully.

Arctic Tourism: At the Arctic Circle Assembly in Iceland, delegates discussed tourism investment alongside shipping and infrastructure, as global attention on Greenland and the wider Arctic grows. Expedition Cruises: HX says passengers and crews made 26,491 citizen-science contributions on 31 Arctic sailings, while testing AI and thermal imaging to spot whales—a potential boost for wildlife monitoring on polar voyages. New Routes: Adventure Canada’s 2028 program adds a Northwest Passage trip along Greenland’s west coast, including Ilulissat Icefjord. Greenland’s new international airport in Ilulissat, with direct Copenhagen flights, is also opening up the region to more visitors.

Arctic Cruises: HX’s 2026 season brought 26,491 citizen-science submissions from passengers, alongside an AI trial to detect whales and help reduce ship strikes. Greenland Access: Ilulissat’s new international airport has opened with direct Copenhagen flights, making western Greenland easier to reach. Future Expeditions: Adventure Canada’s 2028 Northwest Passage voyages will explore Greenland’s west coast, including Ilulissat Icefjord, before continuing into the Canadian Arctic. Purposeful Travel: HX has extended its Greenland Promise through 2028, linking expedition tourism with science and conservation.

Arctic Cruise Science: HX Expeditions says passengers and crews made 26,491 research contributions across 31 Arctic sailings this season. A trial using AI and thermal imaging to detect whales could also improve wildlife spotting and ship navigation. Greenland Access: Ilulissat’s new international airport brings direct Copenhagen flights, opening a simpler route to western Greenland. United also serves Nuuk seasonally, though it remains one of the airline’s least-frequent routes. Expedition Planning: Adventure Canada’s 2028 Northwest Passage trips include Greenland’s west coast and Ilulissat Icefjord. One new 13-day sailing pairs those stops with five days in Canada’s Arctic. Northwest Passage: A recent voyage retraced Roald Amundsen’s route aboard HX’s namesake ship, offering travelers Arctic wilderness, wildlife encounters and Inuit cultural experiences.

Wildlife & Fishing: Greenland’s proposed bounty for 1,000 Greenland sharks was scrapped after the government questioned its legality. Fishers still seek help with costly gear damage, while conservationists warn the slow-growing sharks are highly vulnerable. Expedition Travel: HX Expeditions says its 31 Arctic voyages generated 26,491 citizen-science contributions this season, including whale-detection research and beach cleanups. 2028 Voyages: Adventure Canada has added a 13-day Northwest Passage trip featuring Greenland’s west coast and Ilulissat Icefjord, with departures in July and August. Getting There: Ilulissat’s new international airport is expected to boost access, with direct Copenhagen flights planned and stronger links to other Greenland towns.

Air Links: United’s seasonal Nuuk service remains limited, with the Greenland capital among the airline’s destinations receiving the fewest flights. Expedition Travel: HX says its 31 Arctic sailings generated 26,491 citizen-science contributions this season, including an AI whale-detection trial and beach cleanups. 2028 Voyages: Adventure Canada is adding a Northwest Passage trip along Greenland’s west coast, including Ilulissat Icefjord. Ilulissat Access: A new international airport and direct Copenhagen flights are set to make western Greenland easier to reach, while local guides are working to keep Inuit perspectives central to the growing tourism economy.

Expedition News: Adventure Canada’s 2028 program adds a 13-day Northwest Passage voyage along Greenland’s west coast, including Ilulissat Icefjord, with July and August departures aboard Ocean Victory. Arctic Tourism: At the Arctic Circle Assembly, delegates are discussing tourism and infrastructure investment, with a focus on Greenland and other northern regions. Air Access: Icelandair reported particularly strong demand for Greenland in September, despite carrying 3% fewer passengers overall. Ilulissat’s new international airport and planned direct Copenhagen flights are also set to improve access, while local guides are working to keep Inuit perspectives central to the visitor experience.

Arctic Tourism: At the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, ministers and business leaders are discussing investment in tourism, shipping and infrastructure, with Greenland among the regions in focus. Ilulissat Access: A new international airport is set to open on October 29 with a direct Copenhagen flight, making Disko Bay easier to reach. Winter service is planned mainly on Wednesdays, with flights increasing to as many as six a week in summer 2027. Local Experiences: In Ilulissat, Inuit guides are helping visitors explore the Icefjord and surrounding wilderness, bringing local perspectives to a growing tourism scene. Air Connections: Icelandair reported strong demand for Greenland in September, even as overall passenger numbers fell; the airline said its focus on travel to and from Iceland helped lift its record September load factor.

Wildlife and Conservation: Avannaata’s proposal to pay fishers about $45 per Greenland shark heart for a cull of up to 1,000 was abandoned after the government questioned its legality. The centuries-old sharks are highly vulnerable, though fishers say they damage costly gear. Getting There: Ilulissat’s new international airport is due to open on Oct. 29 with direct Copenhagen flights, giving travelers a faster route to Disko Bay. The service is scheduled to expand to as many as six flights a week in summer 2027. Local Experiences: In western Greenland, Inuit-led tours offer visitors a local perspective on the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO site shaped by one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers.

Ilulissat Access: A new international airport is set to bring direct Copenhagen flights to Ilulissat from 29 October, cutting the need to connect through other Greenlandic airports. Air Greenland plans up to six weekly summer flights in 2027. Local Experiences: In western Greenland, local operators are working to put Inuit guides at the heart of tourism growth. Ilulissat visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Icefjord and learn about its glaciers, conservation and local culture.

New Airport Boosts Travel: Ilulissat’s new international airport is set to open with direct Copenhagen flights from 29 October 2026, cutting connections and improving access to Disko Bay and remote northern Greenland. EU Funding & Sovereignty: European Parliament MEPs backed stronger EU support for Greenland and other overseas countries/territories, citing threats to sovereignty and pushing for more funding and oversight. Arctic Security Talks: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Iceland, Greece and Portugal after a Greenland security pact, with Arctic security and economic collaboration on the agenda. Rare Earths Progress: Greenland approved Critical Metals’ Tanbreez mining and closure plans, clearing a key step toward construction of a major heavy rare earth project. Local Nature & Fishing Tensions: A proposed Greenland shark cull in Avannaata was questioned over legality, but fishers in Ilulissat report costly line damage and gear losses. Community Science Reminder: World Migratory Bird Day (10 October) spotlights citizen science—anyone can submit bird sightings via apps to support conservation. Travel Inspiration: A new guide-style piece highlights how to visit western Greenland, with local perspectives front and center.