Greenland's business community creates contacts in the USA

Using the partnership with the Joint Committee as a framework, Branding Greenland joined with Greenland Tourist and Business Council, Air Greenland and Greenland Venture to arrange workshops about cruise tourism and investment opportunities in Greenland. The workshops were held in Washington D.C. on May 8th, 2008.

The Cruise Greenland workshop was the first time Greenlandic tourist operators and American cruise companies and travel agents met 101 to create contacts and exchange ideas. Princess Cruises/Cunard and Hurtigruten USA - two of the most important cruise companies operating in Greenland - and three of the travel agents that sell cruises to tourists took part in the workshop. Together with five Greenlandic tour operators this resulted in a focused and efficient arrangement. 

- In a business where mutual trust and knowledge are key issues, this workshop means a lot for our chances to influence the way in which cruise tourism takes place in South Greenland in coming years, says Tina Jensen from Destination South Greenland.

The participating cruise companies were also satisfied with the arrangement which has provided inspiration for new, exciting products.

Rob Roberts, Princess Cruises, says:

- After taking part in this arrangement I feel much more confident about sending tourists to Greenland than I did six hours ago. I have benefited a lot from taking part. I have gained a better knowledge of the challenges connected to cruise tourism and have had an opportunity to explain the challenges we face. It has definitely been worth the journey.

The arrangement in Washington initiates new and more focused efforts on the American market and a follow-up workshop for the whole of the North Atlantic is planned for next year, explains Anders U. la Cour Vahl from Greenland Tourist and Business Council.  

The Investment Opportunities in Greenland workshop is a part of the effort to attract foreign investments which can support business potential in Greenland. Greenland Venture A/S presented investment possibilities for potential American investors. This arrangement also went well and gave the American investors a good idea of the opportunities Greenland offers now and in the future.

- These arrangements have been in line with Branding Greenland's work in the USA. Greenland is challenged by the actual lack of knowledge concerning the opportunities we are able to offer business associates and guests from abroad. We are pleased that cooperation around these two workshops gave Greenlandic companies the opportunity to participate in efforts to increase awareness and knowledge of Greenland. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Aleqa Hammond who, with her very special ability to reach out to an international public, opened both workshops, closes Allan Olsen of the Branding Greenland joint effort.