Press release, 24.2.2026
Nord-Troms experienced record-high overnight stays in 2025, driven especially by a sharp increase in Airbnb stays. Meanwhile, hotel and camping stays grew only moderately. To ensure sustainable development, the region needs investments in hotels and campsites.
In 2025, hotel and camping overnight stays increased by 2%, reaching a total of 229,388 overnight stays (source: Statistics Norway SSB) in Nord-Troms. Overnight stays from international visitors rose by 6%.
Airbnb stays, however, saw a significant increase of 40%, with a total of 62,186 booked unit nights. The figure is not directly comparable to Statistics Norway’s data, as multiple people may stay in one unit.
Approximately 60% of the region’s accommodation capacity now consists of Airbnb rentals.
“A significant share of the tourism industry’s revenue comes from accommodation and restaurants – more than half of tourist spending. If municipalities continue to function primarily as activity destinations without sufficient accommodation capacity, much of this value creation is lost,” says Mats Lindfors, Tourism Director at Visit Lyngenfjord.
Long-term and responsible growth requires strong policy measures, including the development of accommodation infrastructure and improved transport connections.
“If this development continues in a sustainable way, action is needed: the region lacks sufficient hotel capacity during the high season, making political measures necessary – such as increased investment in hotel and camping infrastructure. Northern Norway has much to gain from such investments,” Lindfors adds.
The municipalities, Nord-Troms Plan og Eiendom, and Visit Lyngenfjord are now launching a joint initiative as one of several necessary measures to enable the establishment of new, sustainable hotels. A regional feasibility study is underway, and residents are invited to share their input at www.ntplan.no/reiseliv. The goal is a more balanced, sustainable, and value-creating tourism development across the entire region.
More information and interview requests:
Mats Lindfors, Tourism Director / CEO
+47 969 01 288