No end in sight for Copenhagen hotel boom

Some 18,200 people were employed by hotels in Denmark last year

Increased tourism and more cruise ships, events and conferences coupled with an improving economy means that the hotel industry in the Danish capital is enjoying something of a renaissance.

And despite the number of hotel rooms in Copenhagen doubling to about 18,000 since the turn of the century, experts believe the development will continue well into the future.

“I can easily see us getting a further 5,000 rooms within the next ten years,” Peter Winther, a partner at the real estate firm and hotel specialists Sadolin & Albæk, told Berlingske newspaper.

READ MORE: Bella Sky must allow men in its women-only hotel rooms

More jobs too
Over the last five years, hotel prices have been driven down, but things are looking better now, and with air travel prices at a historic low and new VAT rules on the horizon, future growth is looking inevitable.

“It’s a good time to expand, but it is important that it is within the realm of budget and perhaps also luxury hotels,” Lise Lyck, a lecturer in tourism business at Copenhagen Business School, said.

READ MORE: Business tourism VAT exemption could massively boost Danish jobs and industry

The good news has rubbed off on the job figures in the hotel industry as well. Some 18,200 people were employed by hotels in Denmark last year – up slightly from 2012 after four consecutive years of decline.

The positive job trend is expected to continue this year.




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