Tourism operators in Greenland say the country is a “corona-free destination” for Irish tourists.

The northern country is on the ‘green list’ of destinations published by the Government last night.

It means people can travel there without self-isolating for two weeks on their return.

The Government has however been accused of sending out mixed messages as the official advice for all citizens is to only leave the country for essential reasons.

On Moncrieff this afternoon, Jesper Oraker, owner of Greenland Escape holidays, said Irish people can visit without quarantining provided they are tested for the virus within a five-day period before getting on the plane.

“We are 55,000 people in about two million square kilometres so there is a lot of space and a lot of remoteness,” he said.

“One of the things people love to do is board a small boat and go for a hiking trip or stay in a cabin and then in the evening you can come back to the city and stay in your nice hotel.”

A ship cruises late evening between icebergs over the water in front of the coastal town of Ilulissat in western Greenland, 27-06-2018. Image: Patrick Pleul/DPA/PA Images

He said temperatures can get up as high as 20C during the summer months.

“We do hope that we will see some tourists,” he said. “The season lasts until the end of September so there is a long time to go.

“October is not a bad month either but when you get further than that you start getting into the winter season and the weather is a bit more unstable.”

Colourful houses of the coastal town of Ilulissat in western Greenland, 28-06-2018. Image: Patrick Pleul / dpa-Zentralbild / ZB | usage worldwide

Mr Oraker said there were many groups from around Europe due to arrive before the outbreak hit. He said many are still interested because, “we have a corona-free destination so it is a safe place to go.”