Hilton and Scandic Sign New Nordics Strategic Agreement
Hilton and Scandic Hotels Group signed a multi-year strategic agreement to develop Hilton-branded properties across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, with a 284-room Copenhagen airport hotel slated to open in 2029.
Photo by Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Scandic Hotels Group, the largest hotel operator in the Nordics, have signed a strategic agreement to accelerate the growth of Hilton’s brands across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.
Under the multi-year agreement, Hilton and Scandic will work together to pursue development opportunities across the four markets, combining Hilton’s globally recognised brands and commercial reach with Scandic’s extensive regional platform, operational expertise and established presence throughout the Nordics. The agreement focuses on individual development opportunities for Hilton and Scandic across the Nordics and is not a broad conversion of Scandic’s portfolio.
The companies will also announce new benefits for members of the Hilton Honors and Scandic Friends loyalty programs at a later date, with the shared ambition to further open the Nordics to Hilton Honors members and the world to Scandic Friends.
The agreement is already taking shape in Copenhagen, where Scandic has signed a new Hilton Hotels & Resorts property at Scanport, adjacent to Copenhagen Airport. The 284-room hotel will be operated by Scandic under a franchise agreement with Hilton and is expected to open in 2029.
Located near Scandinavia's largest aviation hub, the full-service property will feature a restaurant and bar, meeting and event facilities, wellness amenities, a fitness area and an executive lounge overlooking the Öresund Strait. The construction will start as soon as the remaining pending conditions have been met.
The relationship between Hilton and Scandic spans more than two decades, with three Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties currently operating in Helsinki: Hilton Helsinki Airport, Hilton Helsinki Strand and Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa. Plans are underway to renovate Hilton Helsinki Airport through a multi-phase refurbishment programme that will modernise key guest-facing areas and further enhance the overall hotel experience.
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. It reflects our long-term ambition for the region and, together with Scandic, opens the door to significant new opportunities for Hilton, our owners and our guests.
Chris Nassetta, president & CEO, Hilton
This agreement is well aligned with Scandic's long-term growth strategy. Having successfully franchised and operated Hilton hotels in Helsinki for many years, we have demonstrated the strength of combining a global brand with Scandic's leading operational platform. Together with Hilton, we see attractive opportunities to grow and expand our business across the Nordics.
Jens Mathiesen, president & CEO, Scandic Hotels Group
The agreement comes amid continued momentum for travel across the Nordic region, where inbound tourism has seen a strong and sustained recovery in recent years. International demand has continued to grow, supported by increasing interest in nature-based experiences, outdoor travel and cooler-climate destinations. In 2025, Sweden recorded more than 70 million guest nights1, Denmark around 68 million2, Norway more than 40 million3, and Finland over 23 million 4, with international demand – including from the United States and major European source markets – contributing strongly to growth.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 7,600 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 190 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Scandic Hotels Group
Scandic is the largest hotel company in the Nordic countries with a network of about 280 hotels and 58,000 hotel rooms in operation and under development at more than 130 destinations. The company is leading the way in integrating sustainability in all areas and its award-winning Design for All concept ensures that Scandic hotels are accessible to everyone. Well loved by guests and employees, the Scandic Friends loyalty program is the largest in the Nordic hotel industry and Scandic is one of the most attractive employers in the region. Scandic is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.