Airbnb sees 10% growth in occasional hosts across Puerto Rico in 2024
Airbnb has reported a 10% increase in the number of occasional hosts in Puerto Rico in 2024, with these hosts now accounting for 30% of users listing properties on the platform across the island.
The data, released Wednesday, indicates more Puerto Ricans are turning to short-term rentals to supplement their income.
Occasional hosts are defined as those who list a property on Airbnb for fewer than 120 days a year. The platform said more than 60% of hosts in Puerto Rico do not consider hosting their primary occupation, reflecting a rise in part-time use.
“Becoming an occasional host is a great opportunity to earn additional income, especially when your space is unoccupied,” said Carlos Muñoz, director of public policy and communications for Airbnb in Central America and the Caribbean. “In these times of economic uncertainty, Airbnb enables more people to generate extra earnings in a flexible way.”
According to Airbnb, 50% of hosts on the island rely on their rental income to offset rising living costs. Nearly one-third of surveyed hosts said they time their listings to coincide with major local events, while another third do so when traveling themselves.
October, November and December saw the highest number of new occasional hosts in 2024, aligning with the island’s peak tourism season.
San Juan, Carolina and Cabo Rojo had the highest concentration of occasional hosts, continuing to draw visitors and support local tourism economies.
The company also noted an uptick in domestic travel. During the first half of 2024, bookings by local residents increased significantly compared to the same period in 2023. Ponce and Caguas each saw growth of more than 90%, while Vieques recorded an increase of more than 15%.
Nearly 30% of all Airbnb bookings in Puerto Rico now come from local residents traveling within the island, the company said.
Airbnb said the growth of occasional hosting contributes to the local economy by distributing visitor spending across a broader range of communities beyond traditional hotel zones.
The company reiterated support for regulating short-term rentals, including mandatory registration with the Puerto Rico Tourism Co.
“Airbnb has collaborated with the government for more than six years and remains ready to contribute ideas that strengthen safety, coexistence and tax collection,” the company said. It emphasized support for “modern, fair and orderly regulation that fosters tourism across the island.”
