New bookings for vacation rentals around the globe on Airbnb
and Vrbo numbered 2.08 million on May 17 – the highest level since early March
in most markets and up 127% since the lowest levels on April 5.
This latest
data from AirDNA found properties in leisure, drive-to destinations such as
beaches and ski resorts are seeing the most activity.
Comparing markets, AirDNA says New Zealand had the biggest
surge with 465% more bookings last week than in early April. Germany is second
with 367% more bookings while the United States, France and Australia are all up
around 200%.
In the United States, rentals near the beaches of Alabama,
Georgia, Texas and the Carolinas are seeing the biggest increase in bookings,
while in Europe it is cities such as Nice, Marseille and Naples.
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Looking at the
dates consumers are booking, AirDNA says summer bookings for short-term rentals
are far below their level last year at this time, but by early September the
pacing returns close to 2019 levels – and stays there for the final four months
of the year.
“This suggests
that despite lockdowns and travel restrictions, guests are actively making reservations for the
end-of-year holiday season,” the report states.
“I am ecstatic to
see that vacation rental bookings might soon match pre-COVID levels. We hope
this indicates that the industry has turned a corner and that the travel sector
as a whole can look forward to a brighter future,” says Scott Shatford, AirDNA
CEO.
“The vacation
rental industry has been quick to mobilize against the virus, offering mid-term
stays, self check-in and stringent cleaning regimens. Guests have clearly
returned in kind, confident in the space, safety and comfort that vacation
rentals offer over traditional forms of accommodation.”