As the European Union concludes its public consultation on housing, amid growing pressure for stricter limits on short-term rentals (STRs), European leaders find themselves, according to Airbnb, at a critical crossroads.
Juliette Langlais, EMEA Policy Director at Airbnb, in her article for Politico, argues that Europe must choose whether to lead the way toward a “smart and inclusive tourism model” or adopt “counterproductive measures—false substitutes” that will harm local communities and families.
Langlais stresses that the recent EU regulation on short-term rentals has not yet been fully implemented and urges member states to focus on completing digital registration and data interconnection systems rather than drafting new laws.
“Before rewriting the rulebook,” she emphasizes, “we must allow time for reforms to take effect.”
Tourism as a growth driver — not a threat
Airbnb reminds policymakers that tourism remains one of Europe’s key engines of economic growth and competitiveness, creating jobs, supporting rural and underdeveloped regions, and generating significant tax revenue.
According to the company’s data, 60% of stays in 2024 took place outside cities, while family bookings in rural areas increased by over 200% between 2019 and 2024.
Langlais warns that reverting to a “hotels-only” tourism model would lead to higher accommodation prices, fewer options, and profit concentration in the hands of a few large chains.
The social impact of restrictions
Airbnb argues that excessive restrictions on short-term rentals have not solved the housing crisis — on the contrary, they have increased hotel prices and reduced travel options for average consumers.
“The frustration and exclusion of non-urban communities,” Langlais notes, “fuel political divides and weaken social cohesion.”
A new balance for sustainable tourism
Airbnb’s proposal focuses on cooperation between digital platforms and local authorities to create a shared, balanced regulatory framework.
Such an approach, she emphasizes, would:
Spread tourism across less-visited destinations
Support rural and small communities
Reduce overcrowding in major urban centers
Strengthen Europe’s cultural cohesion
Policy proposals
Langlais outlines three key recommendations for a more realistic and equitable EU policy:
Impact assessment: An independent study to evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulations and prevent further regulatory fragmentation.
Fair management of tourism flows: Restrictions and caps should apply equally across all types of accommodation, not only to short-term rentals.
“Tourism for All”: Establish a European Rural Tourism Fund, promote campaigns for lesser-known destinations, and launch an “Erasmus for Social Tourism” program.
“Europe must not close its doors”
Airbnb warns that turning against tourism would further weaken Europe’s political and economic influence at a time when other regions — such as the Middle East — are investing heavily in tourism to strengthen their global standing.
“Europe must not adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution,” concludes Langlais. “It needs a smart, evidence-based, and locally adapted framework that keeps tourism alive — and with it, the European vision of open, sustainable, and resilient communities.”
