Airbtics identifies the 10 fastest-growing Airbnb markets in Europe for 2026, dividing the analysis into two areas: economic growth and population growth. For investors and hosts, the interest lies not only in which country is growing faster, but also in how this growth is connected to demand for short-term rentals, prices and market stability.
The markets with the highest economic growth
In the economic growth category, Airbtics identifies Georgia, Malta, Albania, Serbia and Croatia as the top five European markets for 2026. The data it provides includes annual GDP growth, active Airbnb listings, average annual revenue, average occupancy rate, average daily rate (ADR) and property price levels.
Georgia ranks first with annual GDP growth of 9.4% and 21,515 active Airbnb listings, while Malta follows with 6.0% and 12,306 listings. The same group includes Albania at 4.0%, Serbia at 3.9% and Croatia at 3.8%.
Within the same dataset, Malta stands out with average annual revenue of $23,035 and an average occupancy rate of 74%, while Croatia records 111,597 active listings, the largest base among the five countries in this particular list. Airbtics also notes that property price levels vary from country to country, from “low” to “mid”.
The company links Georgia with growing international interest in destinations such as Tbilisi and Batumi, Malta with strong year-round demand, and Croatia with a mature tourism market and a high average daily rate. For Albania and Serbia, the emphasis is placed on the lower cost of entering the market and stable demand supported by tourism, cities and regional movement.
The markets with the highest population growth
In the group of countries with the highest population growth, Airbtics places Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Here too, the analysis is linked to key Airbnb indicators, such as revenue, occupancy, ADR and the number of active listings.
Iceland appears with annual population growth of 2.8%, 8,829 active listings and average annual revenue of $39,580. It is followed by Switzerland at 1.6%, Ireland at 1.4%, Portugal at 1.2% and the United Kingdom at 1.1%.
Airbtics attributes Iceland’s momentum to international migration and steady tourism demand, Switzerland’s to the mobility of skilled workers and international business activity, while for Ireland and Portugal it notes that population growth is linked to migration, digital nomads and movements related to work and lifestyle. In the United Kingdom, demand is supported by the combination of travel, business activity and a large-scale market.
Why growth matters for Airbnb ROI
According to Airbtics, rapid economic growth and population growth are important indicators of future demand for short-term rentals. Economic growth tends to strengthen prices, demand from travelers and business travel, while population growth can contribute to more stable occupancy and increased demand for flexible forms of accommodation.
The company also points out that fast-growing markets often offer room for revenue before supply becomes saturated. For an investor or property manager, this means that choosing a country is the first step, but the real picture is determined at the city level.
The importance of analysis at city level
Airbtics itself notes that performance can vary significantly from city to city, even within the same country, due to regulations, demand, supply and pricing power. This is why it recommends using Market Explorer, which allows cities to be compared based on active listings, revenue, occupancy, ADR, price levels, changes in supply and revenue trends.
Based on the company’s material, the goal is not simply to identify a “growing country”, but to filter the markets where growth, prices and demand combine in a way that supports a short-term rental strategy.
How the markets were selected
Airbtics states that the ranking was based on a combination of macroeconomic indicators and performance data from the short-term rental market. The criteria include GDP growth, population growth, Airbnb revenue, occupancy, ADR, the number of active listings, property price levels, regulations and access for foreign investors to the market.
This approach does not only answer the question of which country is growing faster, but also which market combines momentum, accessibility and revenue potential for Airbnb investments in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries stand out on Airbtics’ list for 2026?
Airbtics identifies Georgia, Malta, Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal and the United Kingdom as the 10 European markets with strong growth and interest for Airbnb investments.
Why does population growth matter to hosts?
According to the analysis, population growth supports demand for flexible accommodation, can contribute to more stable occupancy and increases opportunities for short-term and mid-term stays, beyond the purely tourist season.
