Airbnb’s latest data reveals that India is emerging as one of its fastest-growing markets globally, with first-time bookings surging by 60% in 2025. For vacation rental property managers, this kind of growth signals a meaningful shift in where new travelers are coming from — and why it pays to pay attention to emerging international markets.
What’s Happening: India’s Vacation Rental Demand Is Taking Off
India recorded a 60% increase in first-time Airbnb bookings in 2025, making it one of the platform’s fastest-growing user bases worldwide.
According to a report from BusinessLine, Airbnb has identified India as a standout market in terms of new user growth. The 60% jump in first-time bookings throughout 2025 reflects a rapidly expanding middle class, increased internet access, and a growing appetite for travel experiences beyond traditional hotels. As more Indian travelers book short-term rentals for the first time, the pool of potential guests for vacation rental properties — both within India and internationally — is getting noticeably larger.
This isn’t just a story about one country. When a market of over a billion people starts adopting short-term rental platforms at this pace, it creates ripple effects across the global travel landscape. Properties in popular international destinations may start seeing more inquiries and bookings from Indian travelers who are new to the vacation rental experience.
What It Means: A New Wave of Global Guests Is Entering the Market
The rise of first-time Airbnb users in India means vacation rental managers worldwide may increasingly receive bookings from guests who are unfamiliar with how short-term rentals work — making clear communication and smooth onboarding more important than ever.
When a large segment of new guests enters the market, they often come with different expectations than experienced short-term rental travelers. They may be more accustomed to hotel-style service, less familiar with check-in procedures, or unsure about house rules and amenities. This creates both an opportunity and a responsibility for property managers to make a strong first impression.
Being proactive with guest communication — from automated booking confirmations to detailed pre-arrival instructions — can go a long way in ensuring a positive experience for first-time short-term rental guests. Tools like Lodgix offer automated messaging features that help managers deliver timely, consistent communication without added manual effort.
What Managers Should Know: Emerging Markets Are Reshaping the Guest Mix
Vacation rental managers should be aware that their guest demographics may be shifting as new international markets like India drive global growth on platforms like Airbnb.
India’s rapid growth on Airbnb is part of a broader trend of short-term rental adoption spreading into new regions. Managers who track where their bookings are coming from — and adapt their listings, communication, and pricing strategies accordingly — will be better positioned to capture demand from these emerging traveler segments.
This could mean reviewing listing descriptions for clarity, ensuring photos meet global expectations, or adjusting pricing strategies to reflect new demand patterns. Staying flexible and data-informed is key as the global guest landscape continues to evolve.
Source: India among fastest growing markets for Airbnb, new users grow by 60%, BusinessLine
The vacation rental industry is becoming increasingly global, and shifts in markets like India are a reminder that staying informed matters. By keeping an eye on where platform growth is happening, managers can make smarter decisions about how to reach, welcome, and retain guests from around the world.
Key Takeaways
- India saw a 60% increase in first-time Airbnb bookings in 2025, making it one of the platform’s fastest-growing markets.
- A surge in new international users means vacation rental managers may see a more diverse, first-time guest demographic.
- First-time short-
