How Big Is the Vacation Rental Industry?

By Alice Nichols

The vacation rental industry has been growing at an astonishing rate over the past few years. Thanks to the convenience and affordability that vacation rentals offer, more and more travelers are opting for this accommodation option instead of traditional hotels.

But just how big is the vacation rental industry? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the latest statistics and trends.

Industry Overview

According to a report by Statista, the global vacation rental market was valued at $87.09 billion in 2019. By 2027, it is expected to reach $194.89 billion, growing at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2020 to 2027.

Market Segmentation

The vacation rental market can be segmented into two major categories: rental type and booking channel.

Rental Type

  • Whole House/Apartment Rentals: This category includes properties that are rented out entirely to one group of travelers.
  • Private Room Rentals: This category includes properties where guests rent out a private room within a larger property, sharing common spaces like living rooms and kitchens with other guests or hosts.
  • Shared Room Rentals: This category includes properties where guests share sleeping quarters with other guests or hosts.

Booking Channel

  • Dedicated Vacation Rental Websites: These websites exclusively offer vacation rentals for booking.
  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): These websites offer various types of accommodations including hotels, flights, and car rentals in addition to vacation rentals.
  • Social Media and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Platforms: These platforms include sites like Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO where property owners can list their properties for rent.

Regional Trends

The vacation rental industry is seeing significant growth in several regions across the globe. According to a report by Transparent, the top five vacation rental markets are:

  1. United States
  2. Spain
  3. Italy
  4. France
  5. Portugal

In the United States alone, the vacation rental market was valued at $18.6 billion in 2020. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2021 to 2025.

The Future of Vacation Rentals

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the vacation rental industry, with many travelers opting for private accommodations over traditional hotels due to concerns over social distancing and cleanliness. As travel restrictions continue to ease, it is expected that the demand for vacation rentals will only continue to grow.

In conclusion, the vacation rental industry is a rapidly expanding market that offers a diverse range of options for travelers seeking affordable and flexible accommodation alternatives. With continued growth expected in both developed and emerging markets, there has never been a better time to invest in this dynamic industry.