The dynamics of short-term rentals in the EU in the first half of 2025 show moderate growth amid an uneven recovery in the tourism sector. According to Eurostat, the number of nights booked through online platforms is 4.8% more than in the same period in 2024. However, the situation varies significantly depending on the country.
Among the 7 most popular tourist destinations in the EU are France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Austria and Portugal. However, this group shows mixed dynamics. Poland shows the most significant increase in bookings with 11.2%, followed by Italy with an increase of 5.9% and France with an increase of 5.6%.
Spain shows more modest results – only 2.8%, while Germany and Austria barely exceeded the one percent growth threshold. Portugal was the only country in the group to register a slight decline of 0.2%.
The most impressive growth of all EU countries was recorded in Malta, where the number of overnight stays increased by 33.5%. Finland and Bulgaria also showed significant increases of 23.6% and 22.3% respectively. In contrast, the Netherlands saw a decline in demand of 8.1%, Croatia by 5.8% and Denmark by 3.8% - by 1.5%.
Current data show a gradual stabilization of the tourism market after a period of active recovery in 2024. Traditional destinations show moderate growth, while less promoted markets in Eastern and Northern Europe experience a noticeable upturn. This trend may indicate a change in tourist preferences and a redistribution of flows within the European space.
Against the backdrop of the growing interest in short-term rentals, more and more countries are beginning to actively regulate this market segment. Restrictions are already in force in some cities in Greece, Spain, and France.
Detailed statistics on average property prices in Bulgaria by city and neighborhood can be found at imot.bg