Short-term rentals as a revitalizer of rural Spain

Airbnb has commissioned Afi to produce the report 'Short-term rentals as a revitalizer of rural Spain'. This report analyzes the role of tourist housing in the revitalization of rural Spain, focusing on municipalities with the greatest demographic and socio-economic fragility. The main points it deals with are the socio-economic dynamics of rural Spain, the economic, commercial and labor impact of rural tourist rental, as well as the need for a regulatory framework that recognizes and promotes tourism as a key opportunity to energize the territory, diversify the economy and combat depopulation.

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Key findings:

• Revitalization of rural Spain: Touristic housing (VUT) is a strategic tool to combat the demographic and economic decline of rural municipalities.
• Vulnerability context: Rural Spain suffers from a sustained loss of population, lack of services, a weak productive fabric and dependence on public aid.
• Decentralized tourist attraction: VUTs make it possible to diversify routes and attract visitors to areas with little or no hotel infrastructure, helping to deconcentrate tourism.
• Local economic impact: The arrival of tourists energizes small businesses, hospitality and services, generating income, employment and sustainability for local businesses.
• Improving quality of life: Tourism activity contributes to the maintenance of basic services and improves living conditions in municipalities.
• Need for specific regulation: A regulatory framework adapted to the rural environment, different from the urban one, is proposed that enhances the benefits of VUT without applying inappropriate restrictions.
• Instrument for sustainable development: Rural tourism must be integrated into local development strategies as an economic engine and a driver of social and territorial cohesion.
• Preservation of the territory: Beyond their economic impact, VUTs can contribute to preserving identity, heritage and life in peoples.

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In short, short-term rentals in rural areas are emerging as an effective tool for boosting the local economy, attracting population and strengthening territorial cohesion, provided that it has regulations adapted to the reality and needs of these municipalities.