An update on Airbnb’s commitment to transparency in the UK

Airbnb has reached an important milestone in its commitment to transparency with the publication of the first results of its data sharing partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS report highlights the crucial role short term lets play in the UK’s tourism ecosystem by bringing the benefits of tourism to more people and places, supporting local families and communities. We are also helping UK guests to travel locally. More than 2.8 million stays took place in short-term lets across in 2023, with domestic visitors making up 63 per cent of guest nights in the UK and 85 per cent in Wales.

The ONS data complements previous Airbnb reports that show travel on Airbnb supports over 100,000 jobs across the UK, growing small businesses and delivering economic benefits to communities – from local bakeries and artisan workshops to cleaning services and tour guides.

Another way we are demonstrating our commitment to transparency is through our support for new rules for short term lets in England. We are committed to working hand in hand with national and local governments and have long led calls for a registration scheme to increase transparency and give local authorities the information they need to enforce rules that clampdown on speculators and protect everyday Brits who Host to earn additional income – in many cases, to afford to stay in their homes.

“This data shows the crucial role that short term lets play in boosting UK tourism and supporting local families and communities. We want policymakers to have the information they need to make evidence-based decisions, and our partnership with the Office for National Statistics demonstrates our commitment to transparency, and builds on our support for a national registration scheme.”

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb

For everyday Brits, hosting on Airbnb is a flexible way to earn additional income and help afford the things that are important to them. Last year, the typical Host on Airbnb in the UK earned almost £5,500¹ – the equivalent of almost two months additional pay for the average UK household. Two thirds of Hosts plan to use the money they earn from hosting to cover the increased cost of day-to-day life. As living costs continue to rise and more people turn to hosting on Airbnb to make additional income, this data will help authorities to understand the activity taking place in their communities. 

You can read the full announcement from the ONS here.