EU tourism platform bookings rise in second quarter as guest nights increase 5.3%
Online short-term rental demand across the EU continues to expand in the second quarter of 2026, with tourists booking 258.8 million nights through major platforms. The total is 13.1 million higher than a year earlier and 50.0 million above the same period of 2024, pointing to sustained growth in digital accommodation channels.
Highlights
- Tourists spent 258.8 million nights in EU short-term rental accommodation via platforms like Airbnb, Booking, and Expedia between April and June 2026.
- The second quarter of 2026 saw guest nights rise 5.3% versus the previous year, equal to an increase of 13.1 million nights.
- Compared to Q2 2024, platform bookings in Q2 2026 jumped 23.9%, adding 50.0 million nights, reflecting sustained digital travel demand across the EU.
Eurostat data show quarterly booking growth
As reported by Eurostat, tourists spend 258.8 million nights in EU short-term rental accommodation booked through platforms including Airbnb, Booking and Expedia between April and June 2026. The second-quarter total rises 5.3% from the same quarter of 2025, equivalent to an increase of 13.1 million guest nights.The figures also show a 23.9% increase compared with the second quarter of 2024, adding 50.0 million nights over that period. Eurostat says the data come from monthly statistics on short-stay accommodation offered via online platforms.
Digital travel demand supports regional tourism activity
Eurostat publishes the second-quarter 2026 figures at national level and first-quarter 2026 data at regional level. The release highlights the continued role of online booking platforms in the European tourism market as travel demand remains elevated across the bloc.The agency says the figures in this release summarize highlights from a more detailed Statistics Explained article. For broader annual trends, Eurostat directs readers to a separate Statistics Explained publication covering annual data.
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