Scandic Hotels, Hilton Strike Major Deal to Expand Across the Nordics

Scandic Hotels Group and Hilton are joining forces to accelerate hotel development across Northern Europe, announcing a multi-year strategic agreement covering Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

The partnership brings together Scandic’s established presence in the Nordic region with Hilton’s global portfolio of hotel brands, creating opportunities for new properties in four key European markets.

Under the agreement, the companies will pursue individual hotel development projects, leveraging Hilton’s international brand recognition and commercial reach alongside Scandic’s regional operating expertise and infrastructure.

The partnership does not involve a widespread conversion of Scandic’s existing hotel portfolio to Hilton brands.

The companies are also exploring new benefits for members of their respective loyalty programs, Hilton Honors and Scandic Friends, with details to be announced at a later date.

The goal is to provide Hilton Honours members with greater access to Nordic destinations while expanding international opportunities for Scandic Friends members, reads a press release.

First Project Planned Near Copenhagen Airport

The agreement is already producing its first development project in Denmark.

Scandic has signed an agreement for a new 284-room Hilton Hotels & Resorts property at Scanport, near Copenhagen Airport.

Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will operate under a Hilton franchise agreement, with Scandic overseeing operations.

Construction is expected to begin once the remaining conditions have been satisfied.

Located near Scandinavia’s busiest aviation hub, the full-service hotel will feature a restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, wellness facilities, a fitness centre and an executive lounge overlooking the Öresund Strait.

The property will cater to both business and leisure travellers visiting Copenhagen and the surrounding region.

Building on a 20-Year Relationship

Although the agreement represents a new phase of expansion, Hilton and Scandic are already familiar partners.

The companies have worked together for more than two decades, with Scandic currently operating three Hilton-branded hotels in Helsinki: Hilton Helsinki Airport, Hilton Helsinki Strand and Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa.

Plans are also underway for a multi-phase renovation of Hilton Helsinki Airport, including upgrades to key guest-facing areas.

“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”, says Jens Mathiesen, president & CEO, Scandic Hotels Group, in a statement.

Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta described the agreement as an important step in the company’s regional expansion plans.

“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,” stated Nassetta.

Nordic Tourism Fuels Expansion Opportunities

The partnership comes as the Nordic region continues to attract growing international tourism demand.

Interest in outdoor adventures, nature-focused experiences and cooler-climate destinations has helped support the region’s tourism recovery, with visitors increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional European holiday hotspots.

According to figures shared by the companies, Sweden recorded more than 70 million guest nights in 2025, followed by approximately 68 million in Denmark, more than 40 million in Norway and over 23 million in Finland.

International visitors, including travellers from the United States and major European markets, have contributed to the region’s growth.

For travel advisors, the agreement could eventually mean a wider selection of internationally branded hotels across the Nordics, along with potential new loyalty benefits for clients travelling within the region.