The Beginning of a Year-Round Adventure for Harstad
– Harstad has become an ideal hub for travel enthusiasts. The growing interest in the entire region’s spectacular natural experiences has led to increased demand for accommodation and services, says Jacobsen.
He shares with us how the hotel has adapted to changes in the tourism market and contributed to making Harstad an attractive destination.
– People come to Harstad because they have realized that it is an ideal starting point before and after excursions to Senja, Tromsø, Lofoten and Vesterålen. But many have also realized that they do not need to travel far. In Harstad, skilled tourism operators offer everything from Northern Lights tours, dog sledding and kayaking to Sami cultural activities, snowshoeing and skiing.
– The hotel has established strong ties with local businesses and tourism operators to promote Harstad as an attractive destination. The shared goal is to make Harstad a year-round destination, and they are well on their way.
Busy summer days are approaching. – There has been growth all along, especially at our hotel. In 2024, we had around 800 bus tourists during the summer. Now, 4,500 guests have submitted inquiries to the hotel for the coming summer. Partners in the local area are experiencing the same level of interest.
Adapting to the Tourism Market
The General Manager has ensured that hotel operations adapt to changes in the tourism market by embracing a broad range of segments, with a primary focus on courses and conferences, as well as families and sports. It has worked according to plan, and he cannot praise enough the 36 permanent employees and assistants responsible for keeping the hotel’s 9,000 square metres running.
We have recruited the best salespeople, the warmest receptionists and a rock-solid kitchen team. This has resulted in very positive guest surveys and a good working environment.
Success in a Competitive Market
When the Strawberry chain entered the market, there was scepticism about whether Harstad had room for a new hotel. But with a strong brand and the best people in the industry, Quality Hotel Harstad has established itself as a leading operator.
Stian Jakobsen anticipates solid growth in Harstad going forward. The hotel had a formidable start to 2025, with a significant increase in international guests. The ambition is to build on this success and make Harstad an even more attractive destination.
– The tourism industry in Harstad has come even closer together in recent years, and this collaboration is producing results. It has shown us that with the right strategy and cooperation, it is possible to succeed in a competitive market.
With a fantastic location, strong partners and a dedicated team, the future looks bright for both the hotel and the tourism market in Harstad.
About the Hotel
Quality Hotel Harstad has 180 rooms, a restaurant, a large conference hall and six meeting rooms. The hotel is owned by Kaarbø Utvikling AS and Klotind AS and operated by Strawberry AS. The hotel has become very popular and is helping to drive strong growth in Harstad’s tourism industry. Conferences, concerts, celebrations and other types of events are held in the Atlantis grand hall. The hotel’s central waterfront location also makes it popular with tour operators, business travellers and families.