Historical Homes Category trends in Europe as heritage travel is on the rise

Airbnb is sharing data that reveals a growing demand for heritage-related travel. In the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy figures shared by Airbnb indicate that bookings for historical homes increased by over 54 percent in 2021 compared to 2019¹.

To accommodate this growing demand, Airbnb has launched a new Historical Homes category, making it easier for guests to discover almost 20,000 heritage homes in these five countries across Europe – from converted chapels in the UK to centuries-old castles in Germany. To date, the Historical Homes category, offering unique listings of historical significance from the 19th century or earlier, is available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain with more countries available soon.

As Europe struggles with the cost of living crisis, becoming a Host on Airbnb can help make ends meet. In the UK, for example, typical Host earnings for Hosts listing Historical Homes was almost £10,000 in 2021 compared to just over £6,000 for regular Hosts². This is equivalent to over three months’ additional pay for the median UK household, just by renting an Historic Home on Airbnb.

“The introduction of the Historical Homes Category is a great driver of travel to heritage homes and it’s a powerful way to encourage people to travel to places they wouldn’t normally visit. We’re delighted to collaborate with Airbnb and welcome this growing appreciation for heritage buildings we’re witnessing across the continent.”

Alfonso Pallavicini, President of the EHHA

To help owners of historic homes benefit from this growing demand for heritage tourism, Airbnb has launched its Heritage Academy currently available in France, Italy and Spain, giving prospective Hosts a dedicated toolkit and a personal Host ambassador to offer bespoke training and advice on how to become a Historical Homes Host.

“The new Historical Homes Category on Airbnb will not only allow travelers from all over the world to discover the richness of European cultural heritage, it also opens up previously overlooked destinations and helps disperse tourism and its economic benefits in a more equitable way. With the Airbnb Heritage Academy, we aim to provide historic homeowners with everything they might need to thrive as advocates and entrepreneurs of heritage tourism.”

Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb Regional Director, EMEA.

From as far North as Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland to the Etruscan coastline of Italy, Hosts of Historical Homes are welcoming guests. Among the top trending destinations for stays in historical homes in 2022 are:

• Stratford-on-Avon (UK)
• Verbania (Italy)
• Guadalajara (Spain)
• Niederbayern (Germany)
• Lanzarote (Spain)
• Dumfries and Galloway (UK)
• Etruscan Coast (Italy)
• Fränkisches Seenland (Germany)

And here is a selection of some of the most wish-listed historical homes across Europe:

Stay in a Former Abbey at Loch Ness (Fort Augustus, United Kingdom)

Villa Front Lake (Blevio, Italy)

Beautiful 17th Century Farmhouse (Vilanant, Spain)

Old Village Church (Unterkünfte, Germany)

 “I have been welcoming travelers to my converted 17th century barn for about fifteen years, and on Airbnb for more than five years. Being a Host on the platform allows me to carry out the necessary maintenance works associated with a heritage home. It has also allowed me to meet so many interesting people, most of whom are just as sentimental as I am about charming old buildings and the preservation of our cultural heritage.”

John, Host of a converted barn in Dorset.

About the Airbnb Heritage Academy

Airbnb’s Heritage Academy is currently being offered in France, Spain and Italy. Individuals and organizations residing in these countries can take part in our Host webinars, receive a dedicated host toolkit and be connected with an Airbnb Host Ambassador to receive individual assistance.

About the European Historic Houses Association

European Historic Houses is a non-profit organization representing the owners of private historic buildings, their gardens, and their parks. In consultation with European institutions and based in Brussels, the organization gathers together 27 national associations of private historic houses from European countries and has more than 55,000 historic buildings in its portfolio.