The Hotel Industry in Bergen: Key Figures, Companies, and Outlooks

The hotel industry in Bergen is a vital part of the municipality's economy, with 69 registered companies and over 2,300 employees in 2024. The industry has shown strong recovery after the pandemic, with an increase in sales of over 80% from 2021 to 2022. EBITDA margins range from 9–11%, and the most well-known companies operate with high revenues per employee. At the same time, there is a clear dominance of AS company forms, with 48 companies in this form. Outlooks for entrepreneurs point to a stable, but competitive market, especially in Bergen as a tourist destination.

Sales and employees

• Sales: 2,138.3 million NOK in 2024, with an annual increase of 8.2% from 2023. The strongest growth period was recorded from 2021 to 2022 (88.2% growth).
• Employees: 2,377 in 2024, with an increase of 3.7% from 2023. The most significant decline was recorded in 2020 (17.1% decrease).

Economic indicators

• EBITDA margin: 9–11% for most companies.
• Average revenue per employee: 1.3–1.7 million NOK, with variations based on company size and operating results.

Conclusion

The industry has shown resilience after the pandemic, with a strong recovery and stable economic development. It is, however, important to note that some companies have negative EBITDA values or zero sales, which may indicate specific challenges for certain businesses.

Major companies in the industry

• Hotel Norge By Scandic (243 employees, 545.5 million NOK operating income)
• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen (149 employees, 255.8 million NOK operating income)
• Scandic Ørnen (124 employees, 282.9 million NOK operating income)
• Scandic Flesland (112 employees, 229.0 million NOK operating income)

Organizational forms

• AS companies dominate with 48 companies, corresponding to 2,735 employees and 3,559.7 million NOK operating income.

Special cases

• Charmante As has no registered sales or employees, which may indicate a new business or a company form that is not in operation.

Municipal focus: Bergen is the hub for the hotel industry with 38 companies, while Blomsterdalen and Kokstad have smaller but prominent businesses. Sandsli and Nyborg have lower activity, with one company registration each.

Bankruptcies and financial challenges

• No companies are registered as bankrupt in the industry, indicating stable financing.
• Negative EBITDA values: Hotelldrift Flesland As (21.7 million NOK EBITDA) and Skostredet Hotel & Spa As (–3.0 million NOK EBITDA) show that some companies face challenges with operating results.
• Zero sales: Charmante As and Hotelldrift Flesland As have no registered sales, which may indicate specific challenges for these companies.

Conclusion

The industry has shown resilience, but it is important to be aware of financial challenges for certain companies, even though no bankruptcies have been registered.

Outlook for entrepreneurs

• Stable market: The hotel industry in Bergen has shown a strong recovery after the pandemic, with an increase in sales of over 80% from 2021 to 2022.
• Competitive market opportunity: Bergen is a popular tourist destination, providing opportunities for new companies. EBITDA margins range from 9–11%, indicating good financial health for most companies.
• Development trends: Increasing sales and employees, along with stable economic development, show that the industry has potential for further growth. Entrepreneurs should, however, be aware of competition and financial challenges for certain companies.

Comparison with accommodation

• Number of companies: 135 in accommodation (broader industry2) vs. 69 in hotels.
• Sales: 2,205.2 million NOK in accommodation in 2024 vs. 2,138.3 million NOK in hotels.
• Employees: 2,497 in accommodation vs. 2,377 in hotels.

Peer companies in accommodation

• Bergen Innkvartering As (short-term cabins, 18.9 million NOK sales, 7 employees)
• Lone Camping As (camping, 11.4 million NOK sales, 17 employees)
• Stiftelsen Montana Vandrerhjem (hostel, 21.0 million NOK sales, 37 employees)

Conclusion

The accommodation industry includes more company forms than hotels, such as camping, hostels, and short-term cabins. This can provide entrepreneurs with opportunities for diversification, but the hotel industry has a clear dominance in sales and number of employees.

The hotel industry in Bergen has shown a strong recovery after the pandemic, with an increase in sales of over 80% from 2021 to 2022. EBITDA margins range from 9–11%, and the most well-known companies operate with high revenues per employee. At the same time, there is a clear dominance of AS company forms, with 48 companies in this form. Outlooks for entrepreneurs point to a stable, but competitive market, especially in Bergen as a tourist destination. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses in Bergen for this industry.