The inflation caused worldwide by the uncertainty surrounding the war between Russia and Ukraine has strained family budgets, forcing some to create ways to generate additional income to afford vacations this summer.
Many Spaniards have decided to become hosts on the Airbnb platform and rent out their homes to earn extra money and finance their summer vacations.
"Some Spaniards are compensating for their enormous appetite for travel by becoming Airbnb hosts and earning money to finance their summer getaways," states a document on the platform's official website, which adds that a growing group of guests are turning to hosting and sharing their primary residence while traveling.
According to a recent survey that the platform says it conducted among its hosts, more than 25% of hosts in Spain who said they rented out their primary residence said they did so while on vacation.
"Last summer in Spain, one in ten Airbnb hosts were also guests on the platform, earning a combined total of more than 60 million euros between June 1 and August 31, 2021 – with the typical host-guest earning almost 3,500 euros in that time period.".
Fashion category on Airbnb
In the last two years, from 2019 to 2021, nights booked in unique accommodations have increased by about 50% globally, according to the short-term rental platform.
"Since its launch, the 'Singulars' category (also known in English as 'OMG!'), which groups the most original houses on the platform, has received more than 2.5 million clicks, becoming the most visited category.
Girona is among the trendiest destinations, attracting guests with its impressive selection of barns in the surrounding rural areas. A closer look at these unique accommodations is enough to understand why they have become such a favorite among travelers.
"Through Airbnb Categories, launched last May, it's now easier for travelers to discover unique accommodations they didn't know existed," the Airbnb statement said.
With more and more guests booking unique stays, hosts are also earning more income, with higher profits than those of regular accommodations. A typical host of a unique accommodation in Spain earned more than €5,000 in 2021, while a typical host of a regular space earned profits of €4,300.
Although tree houses and barns abound on Airbnb - and are among the top 10 most booked types of unique accommodations in the world - tiny houses are the ones that top the ranking in Spain (and Portugal), proving that with little space and a touch of creativity you can go very far.
Source: Airbnb
