Central and Eastern Europe Sees Strong Growth in Short-Term Rentals

Guest nights booked through major online platforms across the European Union rose sharply in the second quarter of 2025, with Central and Eastern Europe among the standout performers. According to newly published figures, demand for short-stay accommodation continues to climb across the region, building on the rebound in travel since the pandemic.

Poland recorded an increase of more than 17 percent in overnight stays compared to the same period last year, while Germany saw close to a 20 percent rise. Slovakia reported one of the fastest growth rates in Europe, with bookings almost a third higher than in 2024.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania also experienced year-on-year gains, reflecting a wider pattern across the EU where every member state registered growth. The figures underline both the ongoing recovery of European tourism and the growing reliance on online platforms for arranging accommodation.

In Southern and Western Europe, larger markets such as Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal all recorded strong increases, highlighting the continent-wide nature of the trend. However, the sharp rise in Central and Eastern Europe is particularly notable, suggesting that international travellers are diversifying their destinations and that domestic tourism remains robust.

The data also point to seasonal effects, with April showing especially strong growth compared with last year due to the timing of Easter. Overall, the rising numbers reinforce the importance of digital booking platforms in shaping travel patterns and distributing demand more evenly across Europe’s regions.