On 18 & 19 February 2023, the Short Stay Conference Athens returned dynamically for the 5th consecutive year, gathering over 800 professionals of the short term rental and luxury villas market at the Ancient Eleonas Conference Centre.
The only conference in Greece exclusively dedicated to short-term rentals, hosted owners and managers of apartments, villas, residential complexes, apart hotels, serviced apartments and hybrid accommodation.
Participants attended talks, presentations of new technologies and discussed the latest developments in the short-term rental market, while new partnerships and international synergies were created between exhibitors from over 10 countries.
ShortStay Conference Athens is now established as the leading industry institution in Greece, bringing together innovation, knowledge and business opportunities in the hospitality sector.
The main conclusions of the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023
The Dynamics of the Short Term Rental Market in Greece
The latest data on the short-term rental market in Greece was presented at the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023 by Sally Henry, Vice President of Business Development for EMEA at Key Data.
According to 2022 data , the Greek market recorded 20,876,000 overnight stays and revenues of €3.47 billion, confirming the country’s momentum in the short-term rentals sector.
More than 155,000 properties are registered on the two largest platforms, Airbnb and Vrbo, with Athens attracting 20,740 listings.
2023 has started even more dynamically, with January bookings showing a 43% increase compared to the same month last year, confirming the upward trend and the strategic importance of Greece in the European short-term rental market.
Analysis of Cities & Occupancy in Short-Term Leasing
At the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, Tom Payne, Enterprise Account Executive of Transparent, presented detailed data on the development of short-term rentals in Greece.
According to 2022 data, Heraklion Crete saw a 25% increase in the number of available accommodation, reaching 1,307 properties on online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.
Thessaloniki followed with +27% and 3,090 properties, while Kalamata and Corfu rose by 26%, and Chania by 24%, with a total of 2,421 active properties.
Athens currently has around 11,000 active listings, while Greater Attica has over 20,000 active listings.
Oia has the highest percentage with 74% professionally managed properties, followed by Mykonos with 61%, and Athens with 52%.
Finally, the occupancy rate of short-term rentals in Greece in 2022 reached 66%, surpassing that of hotels which reached 62%, confirming the steady upward trend of short-term rentals.
VRBO: The Most Popular Destinations in Greece & The Top Tourist Markets
At the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, James Cassidy, Senior Director Partner Success of VRBO (member of Expedia Group), presented the latest data on the demand for short term rentals in Greece through the platform.
The Top 10 most popular Greek destinations on Vrbo include Chania, Attica , Attica, Rethymno, South Aegean, Corfu, Santorini, Rhodes, Ionian Islands, Heraklion and Kefalonia.
The five main markets for tourists seeking accommodation in Greece through the platform are the United States (where VRBO has a strong share), the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Canada.
These figures confirm the dynamics of the Greek short-term rental market and the important role that international travellers play in the occupancy and revenue of Greek accommodation.
Upward Trend for Short-term Luxury Accommodation Bookings in Europe
A significant increase in bookings of luxury short term rentals in Europe, following the upward trend that strengthened after the pandemic.
According to Wolf Worster, Managing Director of Sirreti, as presented at the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, demand for high-end short-term rentals and luxury villas in Greece and other popular European countries is growing steadily, rising 5% in 2022 and further strengthening in 2023.
Based on Sirreti insights, the key elements that define the category of a luxury accommodation are excellent location, quality architectural features, high service, privacy and security.
This trend confirms that short-term rental trends in Europe are shifting towards the luxury hospitality experience, with Greece being one of the most dynamic and emerging markets in the luxury short stays sector.
Greece at the heart of Luxury Tourism: partnerships & Perspectives
In the panel entitled “To be or not to be… luxury?” at the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, Theocharis Michaelides (CEO & GM, Villa Rentals), Manos Dafermos (CEO & GM, CreteVillas4u) and Yannis Kotzias (GM, Phaedrus Living) analyzed the prospects of luxury tourism in Greece and the growing demand for luxury vacation rentals.
All agreed that luxury short term rentals are experiencing a steady rise, with location, quality, privacy and high quality services driving both demand and pricing.
Speakers stressed that sales of such accommodation are mainly made through travel agencies and that owners should choose professional management companies that have access to premium distribution channels.
Greece is confirmed as a leading destination for luxury short-term rentals, with a strong position in the global market.
Legislative & Tax Framework for Short Term Hire
The upcoming legislative and tax changes in the short-term rental sector were of particular interest to the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023. From November 2022, the Commission has proposed the creation of a European Register of Short Term Rentals, while at the same time the imposition of VAT on the activity is foreseen.
As explained by Nassos Gavalas, president of Stama, the association representing companies operating in the short-term rental sector and head of Mint Properties, it is the individuals who will be most affected by the imposition of VAT and not the companies. He noted, however, that VAT, in addition to obligations, also creates rights, such as participation in finance schemes. However, Stama Secretary and CEO of UPSTREET, Konstantinos Kiamos, assessed that the upcoming elections seem to lead to a postponement of any changes in Greece. Both Stama board members supported the Association’s position that any changes should separate individuals seeking an extra income from companies, stressing that “individuals are part of the short-term rental ecosystem”.
The need to take initiatives to table legislative proposals in the context of the public debate surrounding the short-term rental sector was highlighted by Ms. Daphne Batsara, head of Batsara & Associates and Mr. Stratos Paradias, President of POMIDA, in the context of the panel “Greece, Regulations, Restrictions and Fees“. According to Ms Battsara, “it is necessary for us, as an industry, to develop proposals for the future of the market in which we operate and not to wait for a piece of legislation in order to then react”.
Mr. Paradias noted that POMIDA worked with Stama to jointly express a series of “truths” and arguments for the industry, which “some people are artificially silencing”, as he noted. According to him, the state itself should ensure that there is a greater supply of properties for rent to residents, for example by providing tax incentives, such as a reduction in tax rates where long-term leases are concerned. It should also be made clear that short-term rentals have not taken properties out of the market, but on the contrary have added to it, because many properties have been closed for years, or are old offices and industrial properties that have been converted into housing for this purpose.
Taxation on Short Term Rentals
What Hosts need to know
Τα έμπειρα στελέχη της λογιστικής εταιρείας KRS, η οποία εξειδικεύεται στον τομέα της βραχυχρόνιας μίσθωσης ακινήτων, ενημέρωσαν πρόσφατα το κοινό για τις βασικές φορολογικές υποχρεώσεις που αφορούν όσους δραστηριοποιούνται στον συγκεκριμένο κλάδο.
Στην παρουσίαση αναλύθηκαν αναλυτικά οι υποχρεώσεις καταχώρισης στο Μητρώο Βραχυχρόνιας Μίσθωσης της ΑΑΔΕ, η έκδοση ΑΜΑ (Αριθμού Μητρώου Ακινήτου), καθώς και οι κανόνες για τη συμπλήρωση της Δήλωσης Βραχυχρόνιας Διαμονής. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δόθηκε στις προϋποθέσεις για φορολογική συμμόρφωση, τις προβλεπόμενες κυρώσεις για παραλείψεις, καθώς και στα λογιστικά και φοροτεχνικά εργαλεία που διευκολύνουν τη διαχείριση των εισοδημάτων από βραχυχρόνιες μισθώσεις (Airbnb, Booking κ.ά.).
Η KRS, με πολυετή εμπειρία στον κλάδο, αποτελεί πολύτιμο σύμμαχο για ιδιοκτήτες ακινήτων, διαχειριστές βραχυχρόνιας μίσθωσης και εταιρείες real estate, προσφέροντας εξειδικευμένες λογιστικές υπηρεσίες και συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη σε κάθε στάδιο της διαδικασίας.
Legal Framework for Short Term Rentals & Disputes with Tenants:
What Owners Need to Know
Στο πλαίσιο ενημερωτικής ημερίδας για τη βραχυχρόνια μίσθωση καταλυμάτων, ο Δρ. Φώτης Σπυρόπουλος και ο υποψήφιος Διδάκτωρ Μάνος Τεχνίτης από τη Spyropoulos Law Firm παρουσίασαν σε βάθος το νομικό πλαίσιο που διέπει τον ταχέως αναπτυσσόμενο αυτό κλάδο.
Κατά τη διάρκεια της παρουσίασης, δόθηκε έμφαση στις συχνότερες νομικές παρεξηγήσεις που προκύπτουν μεταξύ ιδιοκτητών, διαχειριστών και συνένοικων πολυκατοικιών, καθώς και στους τρόπους επίλυσης διαφορών με βάση την ισχύουσα νομοθεσία και τη νομολογία.
Μεταξύ άλλων, οι ομιλητές ανέλυσαν:
- Τι ισχύει για τη βραχυχρόνια μίσθωση σε πολυκατοικίες βάσει Κανονισμών Συνιδιοκτησίας.
- Πότε και πώς μπορεί κάποιος συνένοικος να προσφύγει νομικά.
- Πώς οι ιδιοκτήτες και διαχειριστές μπορούν να θωρακιστούν νομικά και να προλάβουν τις συγκρούσεις.
- Ποιος είναι ο ρόλος της Συλλογικής Απόφασης Γενικής Συνέλευσης στη λειτουργία των καταλυμάτων.
Η Spyropoulos Law Firm, με εξειδίκευση στο real estate δίκαιο και τη νομική υποστήριξη ιδιοκτητών ακινήτων, προσφέρει αξιόπιστη καθοδήγηση σε κάθε στάδιο της επένδυσης ή λειτουργίας ενός καταλύματος βραχυχρόνιας μίσθωσης.
Digital Tools & Platforms: The Role of Technology in Upgrading Operations
The Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, the leading event for short term rentals in Greece, was a benchmark for professionals, property owners and managers.
With targeted presentations, specialized panels and the presence of major exhibitors, participants had the opportunity to learn about all the latest developments in the short-term rentals market.
On the side of the global short-term rental platforms, Airbnb, VRBO, Holidu/Bookiply and Travelstaytion presented how they operate, the technological capabilities they offer, as well as their competitive advantages in attracting bookings and optimizing revenue for hosts.
Highlights of the presentations:
- Airbnb: He highlighted improvements in the ranking algorithm, booking management tools and the new price transparency policy.
- Vrbo: He highlighted the strong presence in family travel and the support platform for owners.
- Holidu/Bookiply: Focus on integrated accommodation management solution and high performance through channel manager.
- Travelstaytion: Presented the premium hosting philosophy and B2B partnerships with travel brands and travel agencies.
The conference also highlighted the importance of technology in short-term rentals, digital process upgrades, and the challenges facing the industry in terms of legislation, taxation and sustainable development.
The 10 secrets of successful hosts: The presentation of Alexandros Karavitis from Hosthub
As part of the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, Alexandros Karavitis, Co-Founder of Hosthub and Grand Sponsor of the event, presented one of the most practical and much discussed topics of the conference: the “10 secrets of successful hosts”. With years of experience in technology support for short-term rental professionals, Karavitis revealed the strategies, habits and tools that set ordinary landlords apart from the market-leading hosts.
He touched on critical success factors such as multi-channel accommodation management, the use of automated tools(channel managers, calendar sync, auto messaging), optimizing descriptions and photos, analyzing booking data, and the importance of direct and quality communication with guests. Not missing, of course, were references to the importance of high cleanliness, providing a unique hospitality experience, and consistency in prices and services.
Alexandros Karavitis ‘ presentation gave participants not only knowledge but also inspiration to evolve the way they operate their accommodation, turning hospitality into a highly efficient business activity.
Hosthub, as the leading Greek SaaS platform for accommodation owners and managers, proved once again its pioneering role in the short-term rental tech sector.
Innovation and Technology in Short Term Rentals
The visitors of the ShortStay Conference 2023 had the opportunity to learn about the latest technological developments in the short term rental sector, through presentations of leading European and Greek companies in the sector. More specifically, Rentals United presented its cloud-based platform for multi-channel accommodation management (channel management), offering real-time synchronization and distribution of reservations to over 60 OTAs. Avantio analyzed its integrated ecosystem for property managers with PMS, Channel Manager and its own Booking Engine. Meanwhile, Your.Rentals focused on ease of use for small landlords and managers looking for all-in-one solutions.
Turbosuite showcased its dynamic tools for revenue management and market analysis, helping hosts adjust rates based on real-time data. PriceLabs stood out with its sophisticated Dynamic Pricing, which uses algorithms and machine learning to automatically adjust prices for maximum occupancy and profitability.
In the Greek startup sector , Tourmie presented its smart hospitality platform, which provides personalized concierge services and digital guest experience capabilities for professional managers. Tasteat proposed a new way to promote local flavours and experiences within the property, enhancing differentiation and guest satisfaction.
In addition, innovative products that enhance security, access and the hospitality experience were presented , from companies such as Radefy and Igloohome, with smart locking and remote access control solutions (smart locks), pennie, specialising in digital booking and customer experience management, and Sigma Security, which presented advanced accommodation security and video surveillance systems.
Finally, a special contribution was made by Transferdam, which provided free shuttle services for attendees to and from the nearby metro station, demonstrating in practice how mobility services can be integrated into an accommodation’s hospitality package and enhance the guest experience.
Three Pioneers Awarded for Long-Term Support to the Institution
In a climate of excitement and recognition, the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, the leading conference for short-term rentals in Greece, proceeded with a special honorary award to three people who have supported the institution from the first day of its establishment and contributed decisively to its development. The honorees were Alexandros Karavitis, co-founder of Hosthub, Thanasis Pilionis, founder of Radefy, and George Bothos, founder of pennie, three pioneers in the field of short-term rental tech in Greece.
Alexandros Karavitis, with Hosthub, has been one of the key supporters of the conference since its first edition, offering knowledge, expertise and tools to accommodation owners and managers for multi-channel booking management (channel management) and automations that facilitate the operation of short-term rentals. Hosthub is not just a sponsor, but a constant ally of the conference, actively contributing to the spread of innovation in the industry.
Thanasis Pilionis, through the activity of Radefy, has contributed to the upgrading of smart hospitality technologies in Greece and abroad, with innovative products such as smart locks and access automation. His presence at the conference from the very first steps marked the continuous connection between technology and the experiential hospitality experience.
George Bothos, through pennie, offered not only solutions for linen quality and customer experience, but also made his personal mark by taking on the aesthetic curation of the conference stage. With a focus on design and audience experience, his intervention substantially enhanced the image of this year’s event.
The awarding of these three people was not just a ceremony of honour, but a symbolic recognition of the power of consistency, innovation and collaboration in the dynamically growing short-term rental sector in Greece. With their companies leading the market and their ideas inspiring young professionals, the three awardees are pillars of the short-term rentals ecosystem.
Greece Stay Awards: New Excellence Awards for hospitality and accommodation in Greece
At the curtain-raiser of the Short Stay Conference Athens 2023, an important new chapter for the hospitality industry in Greece made its appearance: the official announcement of the Greece Stay Awards. This is a new institution that comes to certify the excellence and high quality of services provided in the short stay and tourist accommodation sector, recognizing and promoting the top professionals, accommodations and hospitality experiences throughout the country.
The Greece Stay Awards aspire to become a benchmark for top accommodation in Greece, enhancing the competitiveness of the Greek tourism market and promoting the quality of Greek hospitality internationally. The aim of the awards is to highlight accommodations that stand out for their aesthetics, innovation, service, sustainable practices and the authentic experience they offer to their guests.
The presentation of the awards was made in a festive mood by the beloved actor Dimitris Makalias, who gave a special, human and positive tone to the announcement, delighting the audience. As a man who has been involved in quality cultural and tourism activities, he stressed the importance of recognizing hospitality professionals, emphasizing the human touch, passion and love behind each individual accommodation.
With categories that will cover the entire spectrum of the tourism experience – from short-term rentals and boutique hotels, to premium villas, themed accommodation and personalised hospitality services – the Greece Stay Awards come to raise the level of the industry, encourage evolution and create a new standard of quality in Greek tourism.
The first award ceremony is expected with great interest from industry professionals, travel agents, platforms, OTA partners and the general public looking for stand-out accommodation experiences. These awards are expected to boost investment in hospitality, enhance Greece’s reputation as a premium tourism destination and reward those who make a difference.
Accommodation Sponsors at Short Stay Conference Athens 2023
The excellent organization of the ShortStay Conference 2023 could not have been completed without the contribution of the accommodation sponsors, who actively supported the hospitality of the international speakers who travelled to Greece to share their expertise and experiences.
Meno Property Management, Villa Rentals and My Greek Vacations were key supporters of the event, providing high-level hospitality for the foreign guests.
This initiative underlines the importance of cooperation between professionals in the short-term rental industry and highlights the power of Greek hospitality, not only as a product, but also as an experience that starts with the tourism professionals themselves.
Through the provision of quality accommodation, the three accommodation sponsors gave speakers from abroad the opportunity to experience first-hand the level of hospitality that Greece offers – a level that confirms the country’s international reputation as a global destination for accommodation and experiences.
Meno Property Management, based in Athens and present throughout Greece, specialises in the management of luxury accommodation and concierge services. Villa Rentals, with many years of experience in premium villa rentals, offers unique options throughout the islands and mainland Greece. Finally, My Greek Vacations combines tourist experience and personalized stays, showcasing the authentic side of our country through a network of selected accommodations and tailor-made services.
Their contribution was not only practical, but also substantial: they were an example of professionalism and strategic support for the Greek tourism product, helping the international extroversion of the institution and the short-term rental market in our country.
