The Hotel Industry in Harstad: Companies, Statistics, and Outlooks

The hotel industry in Harstad is an important part of the municipality's economy, with 10 registered companies and over 200 employees. The industry has shown variation in its development, with both strong growth and challenges. The main activities are concentrated in Harstad city center, while there is a smaller presence in Sandtorg. Economic data shows that sales have increased by 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, but there are also companies with negative results. The industry has potential for further development, especially with increased tourism in the region.

Economic trends

Sales and employees:

Sales have shown strong growth after 2020, with an increase of 44.2% from 2021 to 2022. The number of employees increased significantly in 2022 and 2023, but has since decreased slightly. The industry therefore has a dynamic development with both growth and variations in employees.

Profit margins:

• The industry's EBITDA margin is at 3%, which shows that the operating profit is relatively low compared to sales. This may be due to high operating costs or low pricing.
• Some companies have negative EBITDA, such as Hotel Arcticus As with -13% margin, which shows challenges in operating profit.

Registered companies in the industry

Harstad has 10 companies in the hotel industry, with the following organizational forms:

The main companies include:

1. Thon Hotel Harstad (Sjøgata 11, Harstad): 69 employees, EBITDA of 8.1M NOK, EBITDA margin of 9%.
2. Scandic Harstad (Strandgata 9, Harstad): 68 employees, EBITDA of 989.0K NOK, EBITDA margin of 2%.
3. Hotel Arcticus As (Havnegata 3, Harstad): 51 employees, EBITDA of -3.2M NOK, EBITDA margin of -13%.
4. Nordic Management As (Fjordgata 5, Harstad): 20 employees, EBITDA of 291.0K NOK, EBITDA margin of 1%.
5. Cic Operations Sandtorgholmen As (Sandtorg): 12 employees, EBITDA of -10.0K NOK, EBITDA margin of 0%.

Most companies are AS entities, and there is a clear variation in financial results and operating profits.

Distribution of activities within the municipality

The hotel industry is most concentrated in Harstad, with 4 companies and 208 employees. Sandtorg has a smaller presence with 1 company and 12 employees. The distribution shows that Harstad is the main hub for the industry, while Sandtorg has a smaller role.

Details per location:

Harstad has significantly higher activity than Sandtorg, which indicates that it plays a central role for the hotel industry in the municipality.

The hotel industry in Harstad has shown a mix of operating results. Most companies have positive operating results, but there are also companies with negative EBITDA, such as Hotel Arcticus As and Cic Operations Sandtorgholmen As. There are no reported bankruptcies in the industry, which shows relative stability.

Operating results:

• Thon Hotel Harstad: EBITDA of 8.1M NOK, EBITDA margin of 9%.
• Scandic Harstad: EBITDA of 989.0K NOK, EBITDA margin of 2%.
• Hotel Arcticus As: EBITDA of -3.2M NOK, EBITDA margin of -13%.
• Nordic Management As: EBITDA of 291.0K NOK, EBITDA margin of 1%.
• Cic Operations Sandtorgholmen As: EBITDA of -10.0K NOK, EBITDA margin of 0%.

There are no reported bankruptcies in the industry, which indicates that the companies have relatively stable operations, even though some have negative results.

Outlook for entrepreneurs

The hotel industry in Harstad shows potential for further development, especially with increasing sales and number of employees. However, there are also companies with negative results, which shows that there are challenges in operating profits. Entrepreneurs should therefore carefully consider market needs and operational efficiency. There are also opportunities to develop new hotels or offer tailored services to the tourist market in the region. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses and develop strategies to ensure profitability in the industry.

Outlook for accommodation companies

The broader accommodation company group in Harstad has 27 companies, which shows that the hotel industry is part of a larger sector. The broader group's sales have shown a growth of 7.2% from 2024 to 2025, while the number of employees has decreased slightly. There are also companies in the accommodation company group with lower sales or EBITDA, such as Enjoy Lofoten As (short-term cabins) with 1.1M NOK sales and 587.0K NOK EBITDA, and Harstad Vandrerhjem (hostel) with 289.1K NOK sales and 18.7K NOK EBITDA.

Peer companies in the accommodation company group:

• Enjoy Lofoten As (short-term cabins): 1.1M NOK sales, 587.0K NOK EBITDA.
• Hle Service As (other accommodation): 1.0M NOK sales, 160.0K NOK EBITDA.
• Toppsundet Havfiske As (camping): 318.0K NOK sales, 30.0K NOK EBITDA.
• Harstad Vandrerhjem (hostel): 289.1K NOK sales, 18.7K NOK EBITDA.
• Arctic Tide As (camping): 0 NOK sales, 0 NOK EBITDA.

The broader accommodation company group has a slightly higher sales volume than the hotel industry, but there are also companies with lower operational results. This shows that there are variations in operational efficiency within the accommodation company group.

The hotel industry in Harstad has shown both growth and challenges. With increasing sales and number of employees, there is potential for further development, but there are also companies with negative results. Entrepreneurs should carefully consider market needs and operational efficiency. There are opportunities to develop new hotels or offer tailored services to the tourist market in the region. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable addresses and develop strategies to ensure profitability in the industry.