STOCKHOLM – October 28, 2026 -- Hilton and Scandic Hotels Group have signed a multi-year development agreement covering Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, with a 284-room Hilton Hotels & Resorts property next to Copenhagen Airport as the first project, due to open in 2029.
Scandic to run Copenhagen Airport hotel under Hilton franchise
Scandic has signed the Scanport property and will operate it under a franchise agreement with Hilton. Construction starts once the remaining pending conditions are met. The full-service hotel will include a restaurant and bar, meeting and event space, wellness amenities, a fitness area and an executive lounge overlooking the Öresund Strait.
Deal targets individual projects, not a portfolio conversion
The agreement combines Hilton's brands and commercial reach with Scandic's regional platform. Scandic describes itself as the largest hotel company in the Nordics, with about 320 hotels and 68,000 rooms in operation and under development. The companies stress that the pact covers individual development opportunities and is not a broad conversion of Scandic's portfolio.
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta called the deal a "significant milestone" for the company in the Nordics. Scandic CEO Jens Mathiesen said it fits Scandic's long-term growth strategy and builds on its years of franchising and operating Hilton hotels in Helsinki.
Three Helsinki hotels anchor a relationship of more than two decades
Hilton Helsinki Airport, Hilton Helsinki Strand and Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa already operate under the relationship. A multi-phase refurbishment of Hilton Helsinki Airport is planned to modernise key guest-facing areas.
Loyalty program benefits to follow for Hilton Honors and Scandic Friends
The companies will announce new benefits for Hilton Honors and Scandic Friends members at a later date. They aim to open the Nordics further to Hilton Honors members and the world to Scandic Friends members.
The companies cite demand as a driver. In 2025, Sweden recorded more than 70 million guest nights, Denmark around 68 million, Norway more than 40 million and Finland over 23 million. International demand, including from the United States and major European source markets, contributed strongly to that growth.