Hilton and Scandic agree on hotel expansion across the Nordics - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Hilton and Scandic Hotels Group have signed a multi-year strategic agreement to expand Hilton’s hotel brands across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The partnership brings together Hilton’s international brand portfolio and distribution network with Scandic’s established operating platform and regional market expertise. Both companies intend to identify new hotel development opportunities throughout the Nordic region.

The first project has already been announced in Denmark. A new Hilton Hotels & Resorts property with 284 rooms is planned for Scanport, close to Copenhagen Airport. The hotel is expected to open in 2029 and will be operated by Scandic under a franchise agreement with Hilton. Construction is scheduled to begin once the remaining conditions for the development have been satisfied.

The agreement represents an expansion of an existing relationship rather than an entirely new partnership. Hilton and Scandic have worked together for more than two decades, particularly in Finland. The new arrangement will extend their cooperation across four national markets, although the companies emphasise that it concerns individual development opportunities rather than a large-scale conversion of Scandic’s existing hotels to Hilton brands.

Copenhagen Airport project marks first step

The planned Hilton property at Scanport will be located near Copenhagen Airport, Scandinavia’s largest aviation hub. Its position is intended to serve international business travellers, airport passengers and visitors to the Danish capital.

The full-service hotel will include a restaurant and bar, meeting and event facilities, wellness amenities, a fitness area and an executive lounge overlooking the Öresund Strait. The combination of accommodation and conference facilities reflects the importance of Copenhagen as both an international gateway and a business destination.

The two hotel groups already have an established operating relationship in Helsinki. Scandic currently operates three Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in the Finnish capital: Hilton Helsinki Airport, Hilton Helsinki Strand and Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa.

Further investment is planned for Hilton Helsinki Airport, where a multi-phase refurbishment programme will modernise key guest areas and improve the overall hotel experience.

The companies also intend to introduce additional benefits for members of their respective loyalty programmes, Hilton Honors and Scandic Friends. Details have not yet been announced, but the initiative is designed to provide members with broader opportunities across the two hotel networks.

International demand supports Nordic growth

The agreement comes as Nordic destinations continue to attract international travellers, supported by interest in nature-based tourism, outdoor activities and destinations with cooler summer climates.

According to figures cited by the companies, Sweden recorded more than 70 million guest nights in 2025, while Denmark registered approximately 68 million. Norway exceeded 40 million guest nights, and Finland recorded more than 23 million.

International visitors, particularly from the United States and major European source markets, have contributed to the region’s tourism development. This growing demand is creating opportunities for hotel operators seeking to strengthen their presence in established cities and emerging destinations.

For Hilton, the agreement provides access to Scandic’s extensive regional infrastructure and operating experience. For Scandic, it creates additional opportunities to develop and manage properties under internationally recognised hotel brands.

Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, described the agreement as an important step in the group’s regional expansion.

“This strategic agreement represents a significant milestone for Hilton in the Nordics, creating a clear pathway to expand our leading brands across four important markets,” Nassetta said.

Jens Mathiesen, President and CEO of Scandic Hotels Group, pointed to the companies’ existing cooperation in Finland as a foundation for further development. He said their experience operating Hilton properties in Helsinki had demonstrated the advantages of combining an international hotel brand with Scandic’s regional operating platform.

The companies have not yet announced additional hotel projects beyond Copenhagen. Their agreement nevertheless establishes a framework for expanding Hilton’s presence in the Nordic markets through future developments and franchise operations, while maintaining Scandic’s role as an established regional hotel operator.

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