Air Greenland, the airline serving the world’s largest, most little-known island, has seen a 50 percent increase in passengers over the last six years as tourism has slowly but steadily grown.

In 2002, Air Greenland carried approximately 260,000 passengers both nationally and internationally, but by 2007 that number had risen to 403,000. During that same period the number of overnight stays increased from 179,349 to 234,604.

Though these numbers are small compared to the millions of passengers flocking to more popular destinations, the figures are significant considering that the territory only has 56,000 full-time residents.

According to the Official Airline Guide, Air Greenland operated 28 domestic routes and one international route (to Copenhagen) as of last August. Between May 2007 and March 2008 the airline offered a second international route from Baltimore-Washington International Airport, but it was axed after it proved too unprofitable. The only other international services offered go to and from Reykjavik via Icelandair and Air Iceland.

Though it’s off most travelers’ radar, Greenland is a land of great natural beauty and charm. A self-governing territory of Denmark, the country boasts incredible wildlife and marine life, great fishing, stunning icebergs and glaciers, and wide open spaces. With fewer than 60,000 people in a territory larger than Saudi Arabia, tourists never have to deal with traffic, crowds, or even streetlights – the capital town of Nuuk only has two of them.

But make sure you visit sooner rather than later. Global warming is melting the Greenlandic ice, which covers 85 percent of the island, and before you know it the glaciers, fjords and even the coastal towns might be underwater.

The best time to visit is in the late spring, summer or early fall, before it gets too cold. Popular activities include kayaking, dog sledding and paragliding. And if you don’t want to fly there, you could always take a cruise. Some repositioning cruises stop in Greenland on their way from North America to Europe, as do some Arctic and Scandinavian circle cruises.

Related Links: Anna.aero, Greenland.com, PeterGreenberg.com: Letter from Greenland

Check out this video on traveling to Greenland: