UNESCO World Heritage Status is worth 63.5 million DKK per year

Today Ilulissat Icefjord Office published an economic study from Washington and Lee University, showing that the value of having Ilulissat Icefjord inscribed on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List, is about 63.5 million DDK a year.

19. March 2013

The report quantifies the value added The World Heritage Status generates to benefit the local community and Greenland, and the figure therefore does not cover the value of the tourism already in the area before the inclusion to the UNESCO World Heritage List

The economic study also recommends the introduction of a new tourist tax of 10 DKK per night for every accommodation in Ilulissat, this is consistent with previous studies. This model is known from many other tourist destinations in the world, such as the Alps. The Tourist tax will help finance the operations of the UNESCO World Heritage Area Ilulissat Icefjord. Tourists even indicate a great willingness to want contribute economically to preserve The World Heritage and maintain Ilulissat Icefjord’s status as a World Heritage Site.

It is intended that the study of the value of world heritage will followed up with a thorough study. This will also be in collaboration with Washington and Lee University.

Further information can be obtained from UNESCO Site Manager Naja Habermann, phone +299947883 or +299546361

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