The Airbnb system in Italy fuels a business of almost 20 billion

In Italy, Airbnb feeds an economic system worth, according to Nomisma estimates, 19.7 billion. For every euro spent on the American platform, another three are generated in the Italian economy, supporting local activities such as those that support hosts in cleaning and rearranging flats, but also in the hospitality and transport sectors, and contributing to the equivalent of 139 thousand full-time jobs. The base of superhosts, those "hosts" who according to the platform's definition are able to offer "an exceptional guest experience" has grown by 15% to 68 thousand superhosts while there are over 150 thousand "guest-loved listings". The platform's efforts to improve the quality of the offer have also led to a 47% reduction in cancellations by hosts on an annual basis. Finally, according to Nomisma, since the final introduction of the National Identification Code (NIC) in January 2025, active short-let listings have decreased by 15%, reflecting an improvement in compliance in the sector. This comes as Italy prepares to host two major international events: the Jubilee, already underway in Rome, and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Airbnb is partnering with both events to help accommodate the flow of visitors, facilitating a wider distribution across the territory and ensuring a positive impact on local communities. According to the research, Airbnb has also played a key role in reactivating unused real estate in Italy, directly contributing to the renovation and enhancement of properties that would otherwise remain empty or underused. Only 1.1% of Italy's housing stock is used for short-term rentals - 0.12% if we consider only dwellings entirely dedicated to short-term rental and not used by the owner - compared to 13% of empty or underused properties.

"Airbnb supports a balanced national regulation of short rentals that protects historic city centres, gives cities tools to manage tourist flows, and clearly distinguishes between occasional and professional hosts," says Matteo Sarzana, Country Manager for Italy and South-Eastern Europe. Airbnb collects and pays tourist tax where possible, ensures that all listings are registered or exempt, and transmits data to tax authorities to ensure transparency. The company is ready to work with institutions to create a pragmatic and effective regulatory framework - one that allows cities to thrive while protecting opportunities for ordinary Italians, half of whom are women who use Airbnb to supplement income or pensions"..

As far as overtourism is concerned, according to the platform it is a phenomenon mainly linked to low-cost flights and cruise tourism. "The data speak for themselves: Ryanair has exceeded 200 million passengers in 2024, and cruise passengers in emblematic cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam have increased by more than 50 per cent in just one year," Sarzana continues. "In Rome alone, 75 per cent of the almost 50 million overnight stays in 2023 took place in hotels or similar facilities. Airbnb, on the other hand, is helping to distribute tourism towards rural or underserved areas: half of all overnight stays in Italy today take place outside the big cities, and 75% of guests are families. Previous studies by the Polytechnic of Turin show that, in small communities, listings on Airbnb help the income of local micro-businesses grow by up to 23% in four years, and 38% of tourist spending in rural areas stays in the area - helping to counter depopulation and promote sustainable tourism'.

According to the latest figures, in Q1 2025 the platform recorded total revenues of $2.3 billion (+6%), with a net margin of 7% at $154 million, a gross bookings value of $24.5 billion while 143.1 million (+8%) overnight stays and experiences were booked in the quarter. The forecast for Q2 is for a turnover of around $3 billion with growth of between 9 and 11%.