How the short-term rental boom is reshaping global travel and local economies
Search Logistics has revealed the top 10 countries with the highest number of Airbnb listings, underlining just how deeply short-term rental culture has become embedded in global tourism.
Topping the chart is the United States, boasting over 2.2 million listings, followed by France and China, each surpassing the 1 million mark.
These figures are more than just impressive. They signal a fundamental shift in how people travel, how locals earn, and how urban economies evolve.
According to Search Logistics, beyond Airbnb being a platform for vacation rentals, it represents a $100+ billion industry that has democratized hospitality, offering ordinary people a chance to monetise their homes.
With over 5 million hosts and more than 150 million guests globally, Airbnb has redefined the tourism landscape.
Here’s why the volume of Airbnb listings in a country is significant:
- Economic stimulation: In cities and towns, Airbnb injects spending into neighbourhoods that traditional hotels don’t reach. Hosts earn income, while guests shop locally and dine in nearby restaurants.
- Accommodation diversification: Unlike traditional hotels, Airbnb provides everything from rural treehouses to urban lofts, catering to all budgets and travel styles.
- Tourism decentralisation: Airbnb listings enable travellers to explore beyond typical tourist zones, relieving pressure on crowded city centres and boosting lesser-known destinations.
The economic impact
In the United States, the Airbnb economy contributed over $50 billion in direct spending in 2023, according to internal Airbnb data and cross-referenced by Search Logistics. In France, Airbnb accounted for roughly 2% of all tourism-related GDP, while in Italy, it helped revitalise rural tourism in underpopulated regions.
In emerging markets like Brazil and Mexico, Airbnb listings have opened up alternative income streams for thousands of hosts. Local economies benefit through jobs in cleaning services, repairs, and small-scale property management.
The top 10 countries with the most Airbnb listings
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
