Airbnb: Tourism Overcrowding Blame Game
- As Palma, majorca, prepares for anti-tourism demonstrations Sunday, airbnb is pushing back against accusations that it is indeed responsible for overtourism in Europe.
- Airbnb released data indicating hotels accounted for almost 80% of overnight stays in the EU in the past year.
- Theo Yedinsky, Airbnb's vice president of public policy, said cities need to address the impact of hotels if they want to curb mass tourism.He added that Europe needs...
Airbnb shifts the overtourism blame, pointing fingers at hotels amidst mounting protests in Palma, Majorca. news from News Directory 3 reveals that Airbnb is challenging accusations of contributing to overtourism in Europe. Their data indicates hotels account for nearly 80% of overnight stays in the EU, urging city leaders to address hotels’ impact. the report highlights that hotels hosted five times more guests than Airbnb in 2023 within top EU destinations. Simultaneously,over 800 new hotel projects are underway,adding tens of thousands of rooms by 2026. will this shift the conversation around mass tourism? Discover what’s next.
Airbnb Blames Hotels for Overtourism in Top EU Cities
Updated June 14, 2025
As Palma, majorca, prepares for anti-tourism demonstrations Sunday, airbnb is pushing back against accusations that it is indeed responsible for overtourism in Europe. The company is urging leaders in the European Union’s 10 most-visited cities to consider the notable impact of hotels.
Airbnb released data indicating hotels accounted for almost 80% of overnight stays in the EU in the past year. The company’s analysis of Eurostat data showed that between 2021 and 2023,hotel bookings made up three-quarters of the 200 million-night increase in the top 10 EU cities.
Theo Yedinsky, Airbnb’s vice president of public policy, said cities need to address the impact of hotels if they want to curb mass tourism.He added that Europe needs more housing, not more hotels, but hotel construction continues while housing progress lags.
According to Airbnb’s report, “Overtourism in the EU,” hotels in the top 10 EU cities hosted five times more guests than Airbnb in 2023. The report uses data from Eurostat, the World Tourism association, industry sources and Airbnb’s own data.
Airbnb also noted that Spanish authorities have approved over 800 new hotel projects, which will add 76,000 rooms by 2026, despite concerns that mass tourism is exacerbating the housing crisis.
What’s next
The debate over the impact of hotels and short-term rentals on European cities is highly likely to continue as cities grapple with balancing tourism revenue and the needs of local residents. Further studies and policy changes are expected.