The city of Barcelona, renowned for its unique blend of modernist architecture and vibrant cultural scene, has long been a hotspot for tourists.
Yet, behind the scenes, the dynamics of how short-term rental platforms like Airbnb operate within the city are revealing intriguing insights about urban tourism and housing markets.
Researchers from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) have carried out an extensive study analyzing the impact of Airbnb on Barcelona’s housing landscape and tourism sector from 2016 to 2022, shedding light on the evolving strategies hosts employ to navigate the market.
This detailed study, led by Soledad Morales of the NOUTUR research group, uncovers the socioeconomic shifts brought about by the presence of Airbnb.
The research, employing advanced quantitative methodologies like neural network systems, machine learning, and big data technologies, delves into how different types of hosts—ranging from individual owners to professional property managers—adapted to market conditions, particularly during the tumultuous period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of the critical findings of the research highlights the pandemic-induced adaptations within the Airbnb community. The “minimum nights” setting and dynamic pricing strategies, once the domain of professional hosts, became common practice among individual owners. These strategies were essential in attracting domestic tourists during the pandemic when international travel was heavily restricted.
The study notes that professional hosts, who typically manage multiple properties, demonstrated greater resilience by maintaining higher average rental rates and adapting quickly to changing market demands.
Moreover, the research brings to light a significant shift in the use of rental properties. With the collapse of international tourism, many short-term rentals transitioned to medium- and long-term residential use. This trend was particularly noticeable in central districts where tourism plays a major economic role.
During the pandemic, rental prices fell across the city, but the most substantial drops occurred in tourist-centric neighborhoods, making these areas more attractive for long-term residents.
Interestingly, only 16% of Airbnb listings remained consistently available throughout the entire study period, indicating a fluid movement of properties between different rental markets.
The implications of these findings are particularly relevant in light of recent regulatory developments. Barcelona City Council’s decision to revoke licenses for over 10,000 tourist apartments by 2030 aims to address the pressure on the housing market.
However, Morales emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers the broader urban ecosystem. While regulating short-term rentals is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize tourism’s integral role in the city’s economy and to develop comprehensive housing policies that address multiple factors affecting urban living.
Funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, and the State Research Agency, this study contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.
By providing a nuanced understanding of how Airbnb influences urban environments, the research offers valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners seeking to balance tourism growth with sustainable development.
As cities worldwide face the dual challenge of fostering tourism while ensuring affordable housing for residents, Barcelona’s experience offers a critical case study. This research underscores the importance of adaptive strategies in managing short-term rental platforms and highlights the need for collaborative efforts to create resilient urban environments that cater to both tourists and locals.
