Online reservations in the EU in the first quarter of 2026 increased by almost 10 percent

While numerous European destinations are simultaneously introducing increasingly strict regulations to limit its growth, demand via digital platforms continues to grow strongly.

New Eurostat analysis shows that online short-term rental platforms continue to grow faster than the overall European Union tourism market. In the first three months of 2026, through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking and Expedia More than 144 million overnight stays were achieved, almost 10 percent more (9,7%) than a year earlier.

This jump confirms the fact that digital channels remain the main tool for travel planning.

Key trends and figures

The latest data published by Eurostat show a strong start to the tourist year. In the first three months, guests generated even 144,3 million overnight stays in short-term rental accommodations booked through digital platforms.

If we compare the first quarter of 2026 with the same period last year, the number of overnight stays booked online is higher by 9,7 %If we look at a slightly broader period, that number is as much as 16,6% higher compared to the first quarter of 2024.

More and more tourists are using practicality of applications for finding last-minute accommodation. Research shows that guests today increasingly appreciate the flexibility offered by local landlords through international portals.

What does this mean for tourism stakeholders?

These Eurostat data are experimental statistics that track cooperation with platforms. 

For tourism stakeholders, this indicates a necessary digital presence, the importance of targeting international guests, and the importance of transparency.

This means that the object must be visible on the main platforms in order not to lose a large part of the market. Furthermore, Eurostat states that they account for the majority of additional overnight stays foreign guests, and fewer domestic tourists, which shows that marketing should be focused on the foreign market.

Regarding the importance of transparency, due to the new EU rules on short-term rentals, digital services must share dataThis means that business must be conducted completely legally and officially.

The full official report can be found at Eurostat official website.

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