Denmark Has a Clear Message for U.S. Travelers Amid Tensions Over Greenland

As diplomatic tensions simmer between Copenhagen and Washington over the future of Greenland, Denmark’s national tourism board has delivered a reassuring message to U.S. travelers, emphasizing that they remain welcome in Scandinavia’s most southerly kingdom despite political strains. The communication, aimed at travel professionals and the public, reflects broader efforts by Danish authorities to separate geopolitics from people-to-people ties while managing growing global scrutiny of Greenland’s strategic status.
The message was distributed in late January by VisitDenmark, the country’s official tourism promotion agency, in an email sent to approximately 6,000 U.S.-based travel advisers and tour operators. It sought to quell concerns among American holidaymakers about visiting Denmark — and by extension Greenland — against the backdrop of heightened media attention on Arctic politics.
A Welcome Message in a Fraught Moment
In its communication, VisitDenmark stressed that there is no evidence the political situation has affected travel safety or tourism operations in Denmark. “First and foremost, travelers are welcome in Denmark,” the message affirmed, noting that regular conversations with industry partners and recent reporting indicate that visitor experiences remain largely unaffected.
The note also addressed anxieties expressed by potential visitors who had been following news coverage of U.S. political rhetoric regarding Greenland, including past proposals by American leadership to assert control or increase influence over the island. While some travelers had questioned whether Americans would still feel welcome in Nordic countries, Denmark’s tourism officials responded with clear reassurance.
Mette Ejlskov Hansen, VisitDenmark’s U.S. marketing manager, described the response to the email as “extremely positive,” with open rates significantly higher than typical correspondence — an indication that audiences were eager for clarity. “We’ve heard from many travel professionals that they wanted to see clarity on this topic,” she said.
The Broader Geopolitical Context
The backdrop to this messaging campaign is a complex geopolitical dispute over Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark that has increasingly become a flashpoint in international relations. Greenland’s location — strategically placed in the Arctic and rich in natural resources — has drawn attention from global powers, including the United States.
Tensions escalated in recent years as some U.S. political figures publicly suggested stronger U.S. involvement in Greenland’s future, including controversial proposals to purchase or exert greater control over the territory. That rhetoric triggered protests in Denmark and Greenland, with demonstrators insisting that Greenland “is not for sale” and expressing strong support for Danish sovereignty.
Denmark’s government has consistently rebuffed notions of relinquishing control or entertaining unilateral proposals, arguing that decisions about Greenland’s future should respect international law, the rights of Greenland’s people, and the existing constitutional structure of the Danish realm. Diplomats from Copenhagen and Nuuk have engaged with U.S. counterparts to discuss Arctic issues, including through joint working groups, but the fundamental disagreement remains.
Danish and Greenlandic Voices
Early in the dispute, Denmark’s foreign minister described the situation as involving “fundamental disagreement” with the U.S. on Greenland’s future, underlining that proposals inconsistent with Greenland’s self-determination and territorial integrity were unacceptable. Similarly, Greenlandic leaders have publicly declared their preference to remain aligned with Denmark, emphasizing local autonomy and the importance of respecting the island’s democratic processes.
Despite these tensions, both Danish and Greenlandic officials have maintained that international cooperation remains possible, and constructive diplomatic engagement has continued. For example, high-level meetings between officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the United States have taken place to exchange views and establish working groups aimed at managing the dispute and clarifying strategic priorities.
Helsinki Times
Tourism, Perception, and Reality
For the travel industry, the key concern has been whether political disagreements — especially dramatic or sensational headlines about territorial ambitions — might spill over into tourists’ perceptions of safety and welcome. VisitDenmark’s message was crafted expressly to counter misgivings that might deter Americans from booking trips to Denmark or Greenland.
Travel operators have reported no significant decline in interest or bookings tied directly to the geopolitical spotlight, with patterns reflecting seasonal variations rather than political avoidance. In fact, VisitDenmark officials note that travel from U.S. markets grew in 2025 compared to the previous year, with strong interest in Danish cities and cultural attractions.
Critically, the tourism board emphasised that the Danish people distinguish between government disputes and individual visitors, and that there is “no hatred toward Americans” in the broader public. This distinction aims to reassure travelers that everyday interactions in Denmark remain unaffected by diplomatic tensions.
Looking Ahead
As the Greenland debate continues to unfold, Denmark’s message to U.S. travelers serves as a reminder that governments often aim to compartmentalise political friction and everyday life. With Arctic geopolitics only likely to gain further attention in coming years, Copenhagen’s approach highlights the importance of clear communication in maintaining confidence in sectors like tourism, which thrive on perceptions of safety, welcome, and cultural exchange.
For now, Americans contemplating travel to Denmark and, potentially, Greenland can take comfort in official assurances that their presence is wanted and valued — even as strategic debates persist at the highest levels of international diplomacy.