Strawberry and Gotlandsbolaget launch strategic partnership

Visby’s former Hamnhotellet to become part of the Nordic Quality Hotel chain in summer 2026

Gotland is set to welcome a new hotel highlight in summer 2026: the well-known Hamnhotellet in Visby, currently operated as a Scandic franchise, will become a Quality Hotel under the Nordic hospitality group Strawberry. The project marks the start of a long-term collaboration with shipping and tourism company Gotlandsbolaget.

A new chapter for a well-known hotel

The rebranding and relaunch of the 214-room property as Quality Hotel Visby is just the beginning. The partners are already working on expansion plans and future projects that will help shape the island’s tourism offering.

Carina Hammander, CEO of Gotland Hotels & Properties, highlights the benefits of the dual-hotel setup: “The new Quality Hotel and our existing Clarion Hotel Wisby will complement each other and create new possibilities for events and tourism in Visby.”

Shared vision: Strengthening Gotland as a destination

Both companies share the ambition of boosting Gotland’s appeal – not only for visitors but also for locals and the wider business community.

Petter Stordalen, owner of Strawberry, explains: “We’ve always had a special love for Gotland. Now, with Gotlandsbolaget, we can take the next step – launching a new hotel in Visby and jointly developing ideas that benefit everyone on the island.”

Gotlandsbolaget CEO Björn Nilsson adds: “Gotland is our home, and we’re committed to developing it further. With Strawberry as our partner, we’re creating new ways for people to stay and experience the best of the island.”

Quality Hotel: A strong brand enters the island

Quality Hotel is one of the leading hotel chains in the Nordics, with over 65 hotels and 14,000 rooms. Known for its family-friendly approach, event capacity, and leisure appeal, the chain will now make its Gotland debut.

The new Quality Hotel Visby is set to open in June 2026. Gotlandsbolaget will remain the property owner, while Strawberry takes on operations through a franchise agreement. The two companies are also reviewing other properties for future development – laying the groundwork for a broader hospitality expansion on the island.

More on Strawberry and Quality Hotel.

Header: © Olof Segerberg