Overview of the Report
The Eurostat report “Short‑stay accommodation offered via online collaborative economy platforms” presents a comprehensive analysis of the growth and characteristics of short‑term rentals across Europe. Produced by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, the study is part of the “Statistics Explained” series, which aims to make complex data accessible to a broad audience. Eurostat’s role as the EU’s primary provider of harmonised statistics ensures that the figures are comparable across member states and grounded in rigorous methodological standards.
Scale of Short‑Stay Housing
In 2025, short‑stay accommodation accounted for approximately 6 % of total tourist overnight stays in the EU, with notable variation between regions. Urban centres such as Paris, Barcelona and Berlin exhibited the highest concentration of listings, while rural and peripheral areas showed lower penetration. The total number of registered platforms rose to 1 200, reflecting the continued diversification of the collaborative economy.
Growth Trends Over Recent Years
The report documents a steady annual increase of 8 % in the number of short‑stay units between 2020 and 2025. This growth is driven by both supply‑side factors—such as the entry of new platforms and the conversion of existing housing into tourist rentals—and demand‑side dynamics, including rising international travel and a shift towards flexible accommodation preferences among younger travellers.
Platform Distribution and Market Share
Three major platforms dominate the European market, collectively holding over 70 % of listings. The remaining share is distributed among numerous smaller services, many of which operate regionally or specialise in niche segments (e.g., eco‑friendly stays, heritage properties). Platform‑level data reveal that average occupancy rates hover around 55 %, with higher rates in capital cities and tourist hotspots.
Sustainability Implications
The rapid expansion of short‑stay rentals raises sustainability concerns. The report highlights that increased turnover of accommodation can lead to higher energy consumption and waste generation. However, it also notes that many hosts adopt energy‑efficient practices and that platforms increasingly promote green certifications. In cities where regulatory frameworks encourage sustainable operations, the environmental impact is mitigated.
Economic Contribution
Short‑stay accommodation generated an estimated €12 billion in direct revenue for the EU in 2025. This figure includes host earnings, platform fees and ancillary services such as cleaning and local transportation. The sector also created approximately 250 000 jobs, ranging from hospitality staff to technology developers, underscoring its significance for the European labour market.
Regulatory Landscape
Eurostat outlines a heterogeneous regulatory environment across member states. While some countries have introduced licensing schemes and occupancy caps to curb overtourism, others maintain a more liberal approach. The report stresses that coherent policy coordination is essential to balance economic benefits with housing affordability and community cohesion.
Access to Data
All statistical tables and visualisations are available through the Eurostat online portal. Users can download datasets in CSV and Excel formats, enabling further analysis by researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders interested in the collaborative economy’s evolution.