The North Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Fellowship: East Greenland
The Arctic Education Alliance and The THOR Institute
About the Fellowship
A collaboration between the Arctic Education Alliance and The THOR Institute, this student fellowship focused on sustainable tourism in the North Atlantic region. Through unique, place-based learning experiences in East Greenland, the project was hosted in partnership with Visit East Greenland—the local destination management organization—and Campus Kujalleq, Greenland’s tourism college.
Student fellow Tyler Lissy (UMaine) participated in intercultural learning experiences alongside Greenlandic students and faculty, directly supporting local tourism development goals in Tasiilaq, Greenland. The program was designed to deepen understanding of destination management and stewardship in remote Northern communities, emphasizing the crucial role of local voices in sustainable tourism development. It proved to be a transformative experience for everyone involved!
Student Spotlight: Tyler’s Perspective
1. The “Aha!” Moment
What was the exact moment during your time in the North Atlantic when your project really came to life?
“I would say it was when we first arrived in Greenland. Until we quite literally touched the ground and faced the Kulusuk airport, I did not see a single sign of life from my plane seat. This abrupt introduction to the area’s isolated reality made me reflect on the practicalities of sustaining tourism in such a remote location. It also made me realize that this is the exact impression that some visitors dream about and live for.”
2. The Shift
What is one piece of local expertise or a ‘way of life’ you saw in Greenland that totally shifted your perspective on tourism?
“My perspective on tourism was shifted, not so much by a local expertise or a way of life, but a collective experience, one founded on a place that embraces its unfiltered self. There was little in the way of glamorous attractions, and I knew that I was truly learning what life was like when I had to make the uphill trudge back to the hotel for the twelfth time that week. In particular, I appreciated the cuisine night we shared with local hosts on our evening in Greenland, where I had the opportunity to eat delicacies that the community enjoyed, and not just some touristy knock-off augmented for the visitor’s palate.”
3. The Maine Connection
What is the #1 lesson from the North Atlantic ‘terrain’ that you’re excited to bring back to Maine?
“The idea that ‘being curious’ is more than just exploring the newfound landscape. It also means to be curious about how the environment makes you feel, and what impressions it leaves on you. Exploring these sentiments and impressions can leave you with more questions, and all the more reason to keep exploring.”
Featured Researcher
Tyler was also recently highlighted as a Featured Researcher in UMaine Marine, where he shared more in-depth insights about his experiences as a fellow in “Centering Local Voices in Arctic Policy and Sustainable Development.”