The second day of the Short Stay Conference 2025 (February 15) focused on the latest developments and strategies shaping the short-term rental landscape. Through a rich program of discussions and presentations, industry experts explored the trends expected to impact the sector in 2025, the challenges property managers face, and the technological innovations providing new growth opportunities.
Emerging Travel Trends: Tourism as a Means of Personal Transformation
Modern travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that enhance self-improvement and strengthen relationships. According to research presented at the conference, in 2025, men will look for travel experiences that challenge traditional masculinity norms, while baby boomers refuse to let age limit their adventures.
At the same time, technology and creativity are merging to establish new travel traditions, enabling travelers to design vacations that align with their personal values and needs.
Top Destinations for 2024
According to booking data presented by major platforms, Attica emerged as the leading destination for short-term rentals in 2024, capturing a 23% market share. It was followed by Chania (12%), Corfu and the South Aegean (10%), and Rethymno (8%). The top ten destinations were completed by Santorini, Kefalonia, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Eastern Attica.
Santorini recorded the highest average nightly rate (€700), followed by Kefalonia (€400), Rethymno, Chania, Corfu, and Thessaly (around €400). The lowest rates were observed in Attica (below €300).
Regarding length of stay, Rethymno led with over nine nights per booking, followed by Messinia (8.5 nights). In contrast, Attica recorded the shortest stays, averaging fewer than four nights.
New Accommodation Concepts & Opportunities for Property Managers
The emergence of innovative accommodation types and the opportunities they create for property managers were the focus of a discussion featuring The Raise Projects team. Evangelos Pavlou (CEO), Spyros Roufos (Head of Marketing), and Dionysis Christodoulakis (Construction Manager) analyzed the potential of new property concepts and how they can attract different traveler demographics.
Pricing Strategies & Booking Optimization
Dynamic pricing strategies took center stage in a dedicated session. Maria Flores Portillo (CRO, Beyond) and Daniel Kunstler (Solutions Consultant, PriceLabs), moderated by Panos Leontopoulos (CEO, Hotelistas), demonstrated how property managers can leverage market data to maximize revenue.
Daniela Derin (Marbella Holidays) discussed how social media and direct bookings can help reduce reliance on major platforms and improve profitability.
Technology & the Evolution of Short-Term Rentals
In the session on technological solutions, Vasilis Iliakis (Loggia), Oreste Fischetti (Avantio), and Chris Henly (Hostaway) explained how professionals can select the right platforms to automate operations efficiently.
The panel discussion “Shaping the Travel Experience of the Future,” featuring Stelios Christakis (Tourmie) and Dimitris Sousoudis (Tasteat), highlighted the latest trends in personalized travel experiences.
Meanwhile, the session “Short-Term Rentals: Growth & Digital Transformation,” with speakers Andreas Meladianos (Primehost), Nikolaos Chrysostomou (Piney), and Irene Tzirvelaki (SimReady), focused on the innovations driving the industry into a new era.
Niche Markets & Sustainable Development
The afternoon sessions underscored the importance of accessibility as a business opportunity in short-term rentals. Christina Daka (Praktiker Hellas) shared strategies for creating accommodation that caters to guests with disabilities.
Konstantinos Vasilakis (etouri) and Vasilis Vasileiadis (Bill & John) provided insights on transitioning into the luxury hospitality sector.
Sustainability was a key theme, with Ioannis Pappas (Green Evolution SA) discussing energy-saving practices, while Emi Papanagnou (Rens) offered advice on improving the energy efficiency of rental properties.
The Future of Short-Term Rentals
The second day of the Short Stay Conference 2025 showcased the evolving nature of travel demand, new pricing and booking strategies, the critical role of technology, and the opportunities presented by personalized hospitality.
The conference concluded with the key takeaway that 2025 will be a year of adaptation and innovation for short-term rental professionals. While growth opportunities remain strong, the industry’s challenges will require strategic planning and flexibility.