The Hotel Industry in Trondheim: Current Status and Future Prospects

The hotel industry in Trondheim is an important part of the municipality's economy, with 32 registered companies and over 1,700 employees. In recent years, the sector has shown strong recovery after the decline during the pandemic, with increasing sales and stabilization of employee numbers. One of the most notable development trends is the sharp increase in sales from 2021 to 2025, which has grown by 7.4% annually. However, the sector has been marked by a single bankruptcy case, namely Stiftelsen Nidaros Pilegrimsgård, which shows that there are challenges even in a stable industry.

The hotel industry in Trondheim has shown dynamic development in recent years, with sales increasing from NOK 498.1 million in 2020 to NOK 1,216 million in 2025. This is an increase of 141% over five years, with an average annual growth of 17.8%. Employee numbers have also shown variations, with a decline of 14.9% in 2021, but a strong recovery to 1,780 employees in 2025. This development shows that the sector has been able to adapt to crises and reach a stable level.

In Trondheim, there are 32 companies registered in the hotel sector, most of which are AS companies. The most well-known companies include Britannia Hotel As, Scandic Nidelven, and Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel. These companies have shown variable financial performance, with some achieving high EBITDA margins (e.g., Scandic Lerkendal with 11%) and others having negative EBITDA (e.g., Scandic Bakklandet). There is also one bankruptcy case, namely Stiftelsen Nidaros Pilegrimsgård, which shows that there are challenges even in a stable industry.

Hotel activity in Trondheim is most concentrated in the city center, where 22 companies are registered and 1,738 employees are employed. Tiller has one hotel operation, but with only 4 employees. Trondheim has a higher sales volume (NOK 1,470.9 million) compared to Tiller (NOK 7.2 million), but Tiller has a higher EBITDA margin (8%) compared to Trondheim's 7%. This shows that there are variations in efficiency between different geographic areas.

The sector has been marked by one bankruptcy case, namely Stiftelsen Nidaros Pilegrimsgård, which had a sales volume of NOK 6.2 million and 0 employees. This shows that there are challenges in some companies, even though the sector as a whole has shown stability. No other bankruptcies have been registered in the hotel sector in Trondheim, which indicates that most companies have been able to adapt to economic variations.

For entrepreneurs considering starting a hotel business in Trondheim, the data show a positive development. Sales have increased strongly after 2021, and there is a stable growth in employee numbers. There is also a high EBITDA margin in several companies, which indicates good economic efficiency. However, entrepreneurs should be aware of competition and potential economic variations. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations and assess business challenges.

The broader accommodation sector in Trondheim has 61 companies, 32 of which are in hotels. Sales have shown a similar development to the hotel sector, with an increase from NOK 509.2 million in 2020 to NOK 1,230.6 million in 2025. The broader sector also has a higher number of employees (1,743 in 2025) compared to the hotel sector. Peer companies in the accommodation sector include Singsaker Studenterhjem Sti (NOK 5.6 million in sales and NOK 760,000 in EBITDA) and Trondheim Leilighetshotell As (NOK 7.7 million in sales and NOK -31,000 in EBITDA). This shows variations in financial performance within the broader sector.

The hotel industry in Trondheim has shown a strong recovery after the pandemic, with increasing sales and stabilization of employee numbers. This development shows that the sector has potential for further growth, especially with Trondheim's growing tourism. However, entrepreneurs should be aware of competition and economic variations. SmartGrunder can help find suitable locations and assess business challenges.