Focusing on market data, regulatory developments, and the technological transformation of the sector, the Short Stay Athens Conference 2026, the official Stama Greece event, took place on February 19–20, 2026, at the Daïs Event Hall.
The conference brought together representatives from the public sector, international platforms, data and technology companies, proptechs, and property management professionals, reflecting a market entering a phase of maturation with increased transparency and professionalism.
For the first time this year, the opening day featured Stama Elite, an exclusive event for market decision-makers. Participants were seated at tables of 10, with structured time for discussion on key industry topics. Through two seat rotations during the event, each attendee had the opportunity to meet a significantly larger number of professionals, enhancing strategic dialogue and high-level networking.
Exhibitors also played a central role, showcasing innovative solutions in areas such as pricing automation, property management, distribution, and guest experience, highlighting tools that facilitate professionals’ work and support more efficient business growth.
The Real Picture of the Short-Term Rental Market
Data presented by analytics companies confirmed the strength of the Greek market. Greece is approaching the position of the sixth-largest short-term rental market in Europe, with over 130,000 active listings, while supply reached a record high of approximately 160,000 listings during 2025.
However, advisors from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), Apostolos Boutos and Angelos Kouros, explained that in 2025, 116,000 Property Registry Numbers (AMA) were reported with at least one booking, indicating that the actual market is significantly smaller than previous estimates of one million beds. Since the registry’s inception, 358,115 AMAs have been issued, corresponding to 238,600 Property ID Numbers (ATAK).
Strong International Demand and 2026 Outlook
Demand remained strong from Q1 to Q3 2025, with peak periods seeing nearly 1 million more overnight stays compared to 2019. Growth was uneven across destinations. Crete and Corfu recorded increases in both occupancy and average daily rates, while Athens and Mykonos showed stabilization trends, with Mykonos seeing price adjustments of approximately -15%.
For summer 2026, advance bookings appear robust, with July up around +16% and August +11% year-on-year. Large events in Athens, such as international concerts, create short-term demand spikes, with booking increases ranging from 40% to 80% around event dates.
The composition of demand also stood out, with international clients accounting for roughly 90% of bookings. The U.S. market shows further growth, Germany remains stable, and the French market shows signs of softening due to macroeconomic pressures.
Regulatory Interventions: Single-Digit Market Impact
Discussion on the impact of restrictions in central Athens was particularly noteworthy. Data presented at the conference indicated that the implementation of restrictions led to a reduction of approximately 2,500 active AMAs in the city center, a decline of nearly 8%. In the three central municipal districts, accommodations fell from roughly 29,500 to 27,000.
Industry representatives noted that restrictions had limited effect on housing prices, highlighting that the housing crisis is mainly linked to low construction activity over the past two decades, aging building stock, and intense urbanization.
From Real Estate to a Hospitality Asset Class
A significant part of the discussion focused on the transformation of short-term rentals from supplemental income to an investment category. Presentations emphasized that value is now created through active management, renovation-driven repositioning, experience differentiation, and data-driven pricing strategies.
The growth of professional management structures and the increasing importance of premium and luxury properties were also highlighted, with such properties capturing a disproportionate share of international demand and showing greater resilience during regulatory pressure.
Technology, AI, and Professionalization of the Sector
The second day focused on technology and artificial intelligence. Solutions covering the full value chain were presented, from pricing automation and guest communication to operational excellence and distribution.
Tech company representatives agreed that the next five years will see AI integrated across all operational levels, aiming to reduce costs, improve guest experience, and increase revenue per booking through services and partnerships.
A Conference for Strategic Industry Dialogue
The Short Stay Athens Conference 2026 reaffirmed its role as a key reference point for the short-term rental sector in Greece, bringing together market data, public policy, and business strategy.
The main conclusion was that the market is entering a phase of maturation: demand remains strong, regulations have measurable but not disruptive effects, and the next phase will be shaped by technology, product quality, and professional management.
The conference concluded with the General Assembly of Stama and the election of a new Board of Directors, marking a new phase of sectoral development and institutional representation.
