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Europe: Short-term rental stays across the European Union increased by 9.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest data from Eurostat.
Between January and March, 144.3 million overnight stays were booked on Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia, among others. The figures show demand for short-term rentals continues to grow across Europe.
The largest rise was seen in Malta, where overnight stays increased by 30.5 per cent. Slovenia followed with 24.7 per cent, while Slovakia reported growth of 23.5 per cent and Cyprus 22.3 per cent.
Larger tourism markets also saw growth during the quarter. Germany and Italy both recorded increases of almost 15 per cent, while France, Bulgaria and Spain also reported higher numbers of overnight stays.
In other countries, such as Finland, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Croatia and Greece, the growth during the first three months of the year was double-digit.
Highlights:
- Eurostat reported 144.3 million overnight stays through short-term rental platforms across the European Union during the first quarter of 2026, up 9.7 per cent year-on-year.
- Malta recorded the strongest growth in short-term rental activity, with overnight stays increasing 30.5 per cent, followed by Slovenia, Slovakia and Cyprus.
- Germany and Italy each posted growth of almost 15 per cent in overnight stays, while France and Spain also reported higher short-term rental activity.
- Finland, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Croatia and Greece all recorded double-digit growth in short-term rental stays during the first three months of 2026.
- Eurostat said every EU member state, including Bulgaria, recorded an increase in short-term rental activity.
