In the period spanning April to June 2023, a remarkable total of 153.0 million nights were spent in accommodations booked through four prominent online collaborative economy platforms that have data-sharing agreements with Eurostat—namely, Airbnb, Booking, TripAdvisor, and Expedia. This represents a substantial increase of 15.9% compared to the same period in 2022. It’s worth noting that this growth builds upon an already robust recovery observed in the second quarter of 2022 when guest nights surpassed pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels.
When examining growth rates across individual countries, it’s evident that while there is a positive trend compared to 2022 across all 31 countries, the growth rates vary considerably. For Q2 2023, growth rates within EU Member States ranged from 7.3% in Estonia to an impressive 39.1% in Austria, with the EU-wide growth rate standing at 15.9%. In the preceding quarter, Q1 2023, the EU experienced an overall growth rate of 24.5%, with growth ranging from 3.5% in Estonia to a remarkable 50.1% in Italy. Q4 2022 also witnessed significant growth, particularly in countries with continued restrictions in Q4 2021, such as Slovakia (+100.0%) and Poland (+80.9%). The EU’s average growth during this period was comparable at 24.7%. In the crucial third quarter of 2022, pivotal for tourism in many EU Member States, growth rates ranged from 1.8% in Bulgaria to a staggering 75.2% in Malta, with an overall EU growth rate of 24.0%. France, Spain, and Italy, renowned summer destinations, achieved growth rates of 16.0%, 23.5%, and 30.1%, respectively.
Among the nine most popular EU destination countries, which are defined here as those with a minimum of 10 million guest nights in 2019, it’s evident that platform tourism in all these countries benefited from the sector’s growth in Q2 2023. Notably, France saw a remarkable increase of nearly 50% in guest nights spent compared to 2019 during Q2 2023.
While traditional coastal holiday destinations continue to draw visitors year-round, other regions with more distinct seasonality emerged in the top 20 during the winter months of 2023. Noteworthy regions for short-term rental accommodation via online platforms in Q1 2023 included Rhône-Alpes in France (5.2 million nights), along with the Spanish regions of Canarias (5.0 million) and Andalucía (4.3 million). Regions with a focus on winter tourism, such as Tirol in Austria (1.9 million), also made a strong showing on the list. Among the top 20 regions, France and Spain each accounted for five, Italy and Portugal had three, Austria had two, while Poland and Hungary had one each.
The data on platform tourism for the second quarter of 2023 paints a picture of remarkable growth and recovery within the industry. With 153.0 million guest nights spent during this period, the sector has not only rebounded from the challenges posed by the pandemic but has also surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
The growth in guest nights recorded across various EU Member States, ranging from Estonia to Austria, underscores the resilience and adaptability of the tourism sector. It’s evident that travelers are eager to explore and experience new destinations, driving positive trends across the board.
Looking ahead, there are optimistic projections for the platform tourism industry. With continued improvements in global travel conditions and the ongoing appeal of online platforms for booking accommodations, the sector is expected to maintain its upward trajectory. The diversity of destinations benefiting from this growth, including both traditional coastal hubs and regions with distinct seasonality, indicates a broadening appeal for travelers throughout the year.
As travelers seek out unique and flexible accommodations, the platform tourism industry is well-positioned to meet their needs. However, it’s essential for stakeholders to remain adaptable and responsive to changing travel dynamics, including considerations for health and safety.
In the coming quarters, the industry’s continued expansion and ability to provide diverse and enticing travel experiences will likely be a driving force behind its success. With the right strategies in place, there’s a positive outlook for the platform tourism sector, making it an exciting space to watch.
