Key Takeaways
- Two new hotels (Scandic Go and Scandic hotel) with 459 rooms are set to open in Helsinki’s Garden Helsinki zone in 2028, catering to diverse traveler segments.
- A multifaceted urban development starting in 2024, offering diverse spaces from events arenas to residential apartments.
- Scandic prioritizes eco-certifications (Nordic Swan Ecolabel, LEED, or BREEAM) for new hotels, reflecting a commitment to sustainable operation
Scandic Hotels is set to amplify its presence in Helsinki by inaugurating two hotels, providing 459 rooms, and is expected to open its doors in 2028.
According to a Business Travel News Europe report, the Scandic Go hotel, with 232 rooms, and a Scandic hotel with 227 rooms, will be located in the Garden Helsinki urban development zone, just 2 kilometers from Helsinki’s center.
Scandic Go, representing the group’s economy brand, will mark its debut in Finland. In contrast, the Scandic hotel promises to cater to business needs with meeting facilities capable of accommodating 250 people and featuring a bar and restaurant.
Garden Helsinki Project: Multi-Purpose Development
The Garden Helsinki project, set to commence construction in 2024, envisions a multi-purpose space with a vast events arena, commercial offices, retail spaces, culinary venues, and residential apartments.
In the report, Scandic’s CEO, Jens Mathiesen, highlighted its commitment to enhancing its footprint in key areas, especially given the projected 5 million hotel nights in the Helsinki region by 2026.
Moreover, Scandic’s dedication to environmental responsibility will be manifested in these hotels. They aim to receive certifications from the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, LEED, or BREEAM, reflecting their sustainable construction and operations.
Signature Collection Expansion: Tromsø and Aarhus Additions
According to a Travel Daily Media report, Scandic’s Signature Collection, characterized by unique lifestyle hotels, is expanding its portfolio with new additions in Tromsø, Norway, by 2025 and Aarhus, Denmark, by 2026.
The Signature Collection caters to travelers for whom the hotel stay is the destination. These establishments serve as hubs for local and international guests, emphasizing their unique character and experience.
In the report, Thérèse Cedercreutz, Scandic Hotels Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm about extending the Signature Collection to Tromsø and Aarhus, emphasizing their pivotal roles in the urban development of both cities.
Both the hotels will prioritize sustainable operations and construction, seeking certification from the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. They will also feature wellness centers, fitness areas, rooftop bars, meeting spaces, and culinary venues.
The report noted that Tromsø, renowned for its Northern Lights and mountainous allure, is anticipated to witness a surge in international leisure travelers, especially with Tromsø Airport’s expansion. Scandic’s new hotel in the Vervet area, adding 305 rooms, will complement its existing 390 rooms in the city.
Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, will see Scandic consolidate its dominant position as the premier hotel operator by introducing a 342-room signature hotel, adding 541 rooms.
What We Think
Scandic’s strategic expansion in Helsinki and the planned Signature Collection additions in Tromsø and Aarhus reflect a commitment to catering to diverse traveler needs while prioritizing sustainability.
The multifaceted Garden Helsinki project aligns with evolving urban development trends. Scandic’s emphasis on eco-certification underscores the industry’s increasing focus on sustainable practices, catering to conscientious travelers.
These expansions position Scandic as a frontrunner in offering varied experiences while championing eco-friendly hospitality.
