Greece Introduces New Safety Standards, Higher Taxes, and Stricter Oversight for Short-Term Rentals
- Starting October 1st, 2025, the Greece government is rolling out new regulations for short-term rentals (STR) that aim to improve safety, tackle over-tourism, and protect local communities.
- Only well-maintained properties with proper ventilation, natural light, air conditioning, and safety features (like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit signs) will now qualify for short-term rentals. Basements and semi-basements are banned unless they meet strict standards.
- Rentals must have civil liability insurance, pest control certificates, first aid kits, and an emergency contact guide.
- Inspections will be carried out by the Ministry of Tourism, and violations will result in a €5,000 fine, doubling for repeat offenses.
- Greece is also increasing taxes on short-term rentals and hotels. From April to October, the nightly tax jumps from €1.50 to €8, and in winter, it’s going from €0.50 to €2.
Snigdha’s Views:
- Greece has been steadily tightening regulations, including the one-year freeze on new short-term rental registrations in Athens, which took effect in January 2025.
- The sharp increase in short-term rental taxes is burdensome for hosts and property managers, especially smaller operators who may struggle to absorb the costs.
- The Greek Property Managers Association (PASIDA) has already pushed back against the rules, questioning their constitutionality. Their main concerns include how inspections will be carried out in properties that double as family
homes and whether the government has the resources to properly enforce these laws.
- For STR operators in Greece, compliance is essential. Install required safety features, secure certifications, prepare for inspections and adjust pricing for higher taxes.
- With the new rules adding layers of complexity, professional property managers have an opportunity to stand out by offering compliance-focused services to homeowners.
- Managers can develop marketing campaigns to encourage bookings during the winter season when tax rates are lower. Highlight local events, cultural experiences, and off-season perks.
Airbnb Reveals Valentine’s Day Travel Trends: Solo Travel Searches Up 100%, Followed by Groups and Couples
- Recent data from Airbnb suggests a shift away from the traditional “romantic getaway” model, with travelers now using Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for self-care, intimate escapes with partners, or celebratory trips with friends.
- Airbnb’s data is based on search trends, not actual bookings, comparing trip searches for February 14-17, 2025, with the same period in 2024.
- Solo travelers are showing the strongest growth, with searches up by over 100% compared to last year. Many are booking beachfront stays, nature retreats, and self-care getaways.
- Couples remain a key segment, with searches up 50% YoY, favoring cozy cabins, countryside cottages, and unique off-grid stays over large resorts.
- Groups (3 or more) are increasingly making Valentine’s Day a social occasion, with trip searches up 70% compared to last year.
- Airbnb has also spotlighted a range of romantic destinations, not just based on location but on guest reviews frequently describing them as “romantic.”
- Some of the standout locations include the Cotswolds, UK, the Scottish Highlands, Riomaggiore, Italy, Gatlinburg, TN, USA, and more.
Snigdha’s Views:
- The data suggest that Valentine’s Day is evolving into a multi-segment travel opportunity. Property managers can maximize bookings by tailoring listings to solo, duo, and group preferences by adapting their listings and marketing strategies to match these trends.
- Solo travelers are seeking beachfront, wellness, and peaceful retreats. Highlight balconies, hammocks, and access to solo-friendly activities like cooking classes, meditation, etc. Market as a “self-love” escape with a focus on relaxation, reflection, and adventure.
- Couples seek cozy, secluded hideaways. Offer wine tastings, horseback rides, and private experiences to enhance romance. Market as “off-the-grid romance” or “intimate escapes.”
- Groups prioritize social stays with entertainment areas. Highlight spacious homes, pools, BBQs, and nightlife access, Airbnb has been aggressively targeting this segment, traditionally Vrbo’s stronghold with Airbnb’s shared wishlists.
Nature, Wellness, and Short Getaways Dominate Gen Z Winter Travel Trends on Airbnb
- Airbnb has just released fresh data on Gen Z winter travel trends, drawn from internal search and booking trends on its platform.
- Their findings highlight a clear preference among younger travelers for experiences centered around wellness, nature, and cultural immersion.
- According to Airbnb, they are the most likely generation to search for “Nature” experiences.
- Another significant trend is how they travel. More than 75% of Gen Z travelers are using Airbnb’s app to plan their trips, reinforcing their preference for tech-enabled, on-demand convenience.
- They’re also favoring shorter trips, with over 60% booking stays between two and six nights.
- By analyzing searches made throughout 2024 for winter 2025 trips, Airbnb has identified that Gen Z is favoring beach destinations like Praia Grande and Porto Seguro in Brazil, Sydney in Australia, and Playa del Carmen in Mexico.
Snigdha’s Views:
- According to Airbnb, Gen Z travelers (ages 9-24) are drawn to nature-immersed experiences. At the same time, Expedia’s 2025 Travel Trends report shows that 42% of them prefer all-inclusive accommodations, suggesting they want both immersive adventures and the ease of a stress-free, bundled stay.
- For property managers, these insights offer clear opportunities. With Gen Z preferences changing, it’s worth considering how to make listings more appealing to them.
- Homes with easy access to outdoor activities, beachside locations, or wellness-focused amenities, like yoga mats, and outdoor showers.
- Marketing strategies should also reflect their mobile-first mindset, emphasizing Instagram-worthy aesthetics, local experiences, and seamless booking processes.
- The trend toward shorter stays highlights the need for more flexible pricing models. As more Gen Z travelers book quick getaways, property owners can benefit by keeping nightly rates competitive and optimizing their listings for last-minute bookings to capture this demand.
- Given their preference for emerging destinations, there’s also an opportunity to highlight lesser-known areas rather than just the usual tourist hotspots.
