Overview of Airbnb Growth in Catania
The article, authored by journalist Leandro Perrotta for the Italian daily La Sicilia, presents findings from the “Airmap” study conducted by the Politecnico di Torino and a research team from the University of Catania. The study examines the rapid expansion of short‑term private rentals on Airbnb in Catania between 2017 and 2024, providing a detailed picture of how the city’s tourist accommodation market has evolved.
Scale of Airbnb Offerings
Catania now hosts approximately 32 000 tourist beds, of which 22 890 (about 71 %) are listed on Airbnb. This figure is nearly three times the 8 820 beds offered by officially certified hospitality establishments. The number of Airbnb listings has risen by 90 %—from 3 265 in 2017 to 6 143 in 2024—indicating a pronounced shift toward private‑sector accommodation.
Distribution by Property Type
The market is dominated by whole‑apartment rentals. In 2017, entire homes accounted for 62.1 % of listings (2 025 units) and private rooms 36.5 %. By 2024, entire apartments represented 74.1 % (4 554 units), while private rooms fell to 25.4 %, a decline of 30.4 % in absolute numbers. Shared rooms and hotel‑type rooms have also decreased, now comprising 11 % and 18 % of the market respectively.
Geographic Concentration
Airbnb units are heavily concentrated in Catania’s historic centre, especially near major tourist attractions. The Castello Ursino neighbourhood hosts the largest share with 790 listings (13 % of the total). Other significant clusters include the “Corso Sicilia – Fiera” area (483 units), Villa Bellini – Via Lago di Nicito (429 units), and the area surrounding the Duomo (200 units) which, despite its modest absolute number, exhibits an exceptionally high density of 1 818 units per square kilometre—far above the city‑wide average of 33.
Economic Impact and Host Earnings
Total revenue from Airbnb activity grew by 390 % between 2017 and 2024, rising from roughly €10 million to over €49 million. Average annual earnings per host increased by 176 %, from €5 459 to €15 061, while earnings per individual unit rose by 160 % (from €3 105 to €8 081). Nevertheless, these figures remain below the Italian average of €11 700 per unit and €25 000 per host in 2024.
Host Size and Profitability
The study distinguishes three host categories. “Small hosts” (≤2 units) saw unit earnings grow from €2 680 to €7 044; “medium hosts” (3–10 units) from €3 465 to €8 573; and “large hosts” (>10 units) from €3 877 to €10 559. While large hosts’ total revenue rose from €1.15 million to €8.46 million, their share of overall market revenue fell from 25 % to 17 %. Small hosts still dominate, representing 77.8 % of all hosts and 49.1 % of listings.
Implications for Sustainable Housing Policy
The data suggest that Catania’s Airbnb sector is still expanding, unlike saturated markets in Florence, Venice or Rome. The concentration of rentals in historic central districts raises concerns about housing affordability for residents and the pressure on heritage areas. Policymakers seeking sustainable urban development may consider regulatory measures that balance tourism income with the preservation of local housing stock and community cohesion.