Tourism Made for Europeans, by Europeans

Short-term rentals (STR) provide hosts with flexibility to boost their income, and offer guests authentic and affordable options to discover Europe. As a segment, STRs have generated €128 billion in guest spending, supported €149 billion GDP, created 2.1 million jobs, and contributed nearly €40 billion in total tax revenue across the EU in 2023. The majority of this directly supports local economies.

According to a new report from Oxford Economics commissioned by Airbnb, short-term rentals have transformed the way Europeans travel:

4 in 10 guests use STRs to explore their own country, and EU citizens account for 62% of travellers hosted across the region.
In 2023, more than half of EU stays on Airbnb took place in non-urban areas, bringing significant benefits to rural communities.
39% of guests on Airbnb in Europe travel with children, demonstrating how STRs can cater to family needs better than traditional options.
During major events like the Paris Games, STRs provide scalable solutions that ease accommodation shortages and stabilise prices, reinforcing their value beyond Europe’s traditional tourism ecosystem.

More than half of EU stays on Airbnb took place in non-urban areas

Short-term rentals help spread tourism beyond major cities, promoting economic growth in rural destinations.

Source: Harnessing the Short-Term Rental Advantage in Europe, Oxford Economics, November 2024

Nearly 4 in 10 Europeans travelled with children

From large spaces to kitchen amenities, short-term rentals cater to family needs better than traditional options.

Source: Harnessing the Short-Term Rental Advantage in Europe, Oxford Economics, November 2024

For the last two years, Airbnb has called for an EU-wide framework to help make STR regulations more consistent across the bloc and to better support everyday hosts. Now, those rules are a reality.

EU rules provide clear guidance to platforms and authorities on how to share data, whilst making it simpler for hosts to register with their local authority. With this data, local authorities will be able to establish informed, targeted tourism policies, which are crucial to retaining the positive impacts of STRs.

Airbnb is committed to making this new regulatory framework a success. Over the next 18 months and beyond, we’ll work with policymakers and communities to implement the rules effectively, ensuring shared responsibilities and meaningful outcomes for everyone involved. Together, we can ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for Europe’s tourism ecosystem.

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