The key trends shaping the short-term rental market in Greece and Cyprus today were presented at the recent Short Stay Cyprus Conference 2026 by Manos Meletakos and Theofanis Timiadis from Vrbo. Their analysis focused both on traveler behavior and on the platform’s new tools designed to enhance property visibility and performance.
They noted that the appetite for travel remains not only strong but is steadily increasing. According to the data presented, 50% of respondents said they feel a greater need to travel compared to five years ago, confirming that holidays remain a top consumer priority. Even more indicative is the fact that 88% stated they are very likely to take a trip within the next year—figures that reflect the continued strengthening of travel demand.
The battle for visibility on platforms
Particularly interesting were the findings on how travelers make bookings. According to Vrbo, around 60% of clicks on its platforms come from the first ten search results, while 80% of bookings are also completed from these top listings.
This, the company representatives explained, highlights the importance of ranking highly in search results, as visibility in top positions directly affects commercial performance.
Within this context, they also analyzed the key features travelers value most when selecting accommodation. Flexibility stands out, both in terms of check-in procedures and cancellation policies. Travelers increasingly prefer automated processes and greater freedom regarding arrival times, without strict limitations.
At the same time, cleanliness remains one of the most important evaluation factors, with positive cleanliness reviews having a direct impact on a property’s image and demand. Reviews, along with overall value for money, also play a significant role, as the key is not necessarily low pricing but competitive pricing that reflects the quality and characteristics of each property.
The importance of flexibility and cancellation policies
Vrbo representatives emphasized that flexibility in bookings has become a decisive selection criterion for travelers. In Cyprus in particular, a more relaxed cancellation policy is considered almost essential, as it directly influences the final booking decision.
Listings offering full refunds are significantly more attractive, especially in an environment where travelers seek greater security and flexibility before confirming their reservation.
Markets driving Greece and Cyprus
The representatives then presented data on the main source markets driving demand in Greece and Cyprus. The traveler profiles selecting both destinations are almost identical.
For Greece, British travelers rank first in both Average Booking Value and Length of Stay, with a significant gap compared to other nationalities. They are followed by French, German, American, and Canadian travelers. Vrbo noted that its audience generally demonstrates higher travel spending and longer stays.
A similar picture emerges in Cyprus, where British travelers again lead, followed by Germans, who show particularly high average booking values. Americans, French, and Canadians follow, confirming the strong similarity between the two markets.
Price growth and strong performance in Cyprus
The evolution of daily rates in Cyprus during 2024–2025 also drew attention. According to the data, almost all regions recorded significant increases in Average Daily Rates (ADR), while occupancy levels also rose.
The simultaneous increase in both prices and occupancy indicates strong overall growth in the short-term rental market.
The strongest performance continues to be recorded in coastal destinations, with Paphos, Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Limassol emerging as the main demand drivers.
Last-minute bookings and length of stay
Looking ahead to 2026, Vrbo representatives noted that geopolitical developments are creating a more uncertain environment in Greece and Cyprus, which is expected to further boost last-minute bookings. However, they stressed that overall market performance is expected to remain in line with the strong momentum seen in 2024–2025.
In Cyprus, the average length of stay is approximately 7.5 nights—an exceptionally high figure for the short-term rental sector.
The company also observed a clear correlation between booking length and cancellation rates: the longer the stay, the lower the likelihood of cancellation. This creates a more stable and predictable booking environment for property owners and managers.
Early booking, AI, and new visibility tools
The second part of the presentation focused on technological developments and new platform capabilities. Vrbo is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to improve property performance.
Competitive pricing plays a central role, which is why the platform is placing strong emphasis on promotional tools and dynamic pricing systems. Early booking offers, in particular, are showing strong performance, especially from markets such as the United States, where travelers tend to plan and book holidays well in advance.
These tools help listings gain visibility in more searches and filters, improving ranking performance.
How AI is changing the traveler experience
Vrbo also highlighted how AI is transforming the user experience.
Through its Guest Summary Review tool, the platform automatically summarizes guest reviews, highlighting the most important aspects of each stay at the top of the listing page.
AI also enables the platform to automatically surface key property features, such as proximity to points of interest or standout amenities, helping travelers quickly find relevant information. According to Manos Meletakos, these innovations have already increased user experience on the platform by 24%.
In addition, Vrbo has introduced an AI chat feature that allows users to ask specific questions and receive immediate answers. The system draws on both host-provided content and previous guest reviews, delivering responses within seconds.
Since its launch, the tool has already answered more than 1.38 million user queries.
Reviews, photos, and the premier host program
The company is also investing in new forms of content to enhance listing credibility. One key development is the ability for guests to upload their own photos alongside reviews, providing future travelers with a more authentic view of the property.
These photos are not approved by AI or algorithms but go through human moderation before publication, ensuring authenticity and protecting hosts.
Finally, Vrbo outlined updates to its Premier Host program, which acts as a quality badge for top-performing properties.
Since January, certification applies to individual listings rather than entire host accounts. Premier Host properties gain increased visibility, appear in dedicated search filters, receive priority support, and are prioritized in promotional campaigns.
