Airbnb Bookings Surge Ahead of Summer: Greece Shines in European Travel Boom

As summer approaches, Greece is poised for a robust tourism season, with Airbnb bookings for short-term rentals soaring, according to data from AirDNA.

The figures signal a strong travel demand across Europe, with Greece leading the pack among top markets.

Greece Sees 22% Surge in Demand

AirDNA reports that bookings for June, July, and August are up significantly across the continent, with 18 of Europe’s top 20 markets showing at least a 10% increase in demand compared to last year. Greece stands out with a 22% year-on-year rise in bookings, driven by its perennial appeal as a summer destination. Other high performers include Poland (+37%), the Czech Republic (+30%), Norway (+27%), Belgium, and Germany (both +24%). Meanwhile, northern European countries like Finland (+8%), Denmark (+9%), the UK, Ireland (both +10%), and Hungary (+12%) lag slightly behind.

Economic Resilience Fuels Travel

Despite ongoing economic and political uncertainties, AirDNA notes that robust domestic travel, easing inflation, and growing booking volumes point to a resilient summer season. Available listings across Europe reached 3.6 million, up 7.1% from last year, while demand for overnight stays surged by 27.4% to 36.6 million nights. The average daily rate (ADR) rose by 4.2% to €150, and occupancy rates climbed 18% to 59%, even with the increased supply. Revenue per available night (RevPAR) also saw a strong 23% increase, reaching €88.

Strong April Sets the Stage

The promising summer outlook follows a stellar April, which saw revenue growth across all 20 top European short-term rental markets. Higher occupancy was a common factor, though revenue gains varied by country, influenced by changes in ADR and listing supply. Germany and Denmark led with 30% occupancy increases, translating to remarkable revenue jumps of 55% and 49%, respectively. Norway topped revenue growth at 68.5%, fueled by a 10.1% ADR hike and a 27.1% expansion in listings. In Greece and Switzerland, modest occupancy gains still drove significant revenue increases, suggesting higher ADR played a key role.

Greece’s Tourism Outlook

For Greek travelers and tourism stakeholders, the data underscores Greece’s enduring allure on the global stage. The strong booking trends, coupled with rising revenues, signal a vibrant summer ahead for local hosts and businesses. As Europe’s travel sector continues to rebound, Greece remains a top choice for visitors seeking sun, sea, and culture.

Source: pagenews.gr