India is rapidly emerging as one of Airbnb’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets, with first-time bookings jumping a remarkable 60% in 2025. For vacation rental property managers and owners operating internationally — or those considering expanding their reach — this kind of growth signals a significant shift in global travel demand that deserves close attention. As new traveler populations enter the short-term rental market, understanding where demand is surging can inform smarter listing strategies and platform diversification decisions.
A Market on the Move
India’s explosive growth in first-time Airbnb bookings reflects a rapidly expanding middle class with a growing appetite for alternative accommodations.
Airbnb’s data points to India as one of its fastest-growing markets globally, driven by a combination of rising disposable incomes, increased domestic and outbound travel, and a younger generation of travelers who are increasingly comfortable booking accommodations online. The 60% rise in first-time bookings in 2025 is not a modest uptick — it represents a substantial wave of new consumers entering the vacation rental ecosystem for the very first time.
This growth is particularly significant because first-time users tend to become repeat customers. When travelers have a positive initial experience with a platform like Airbnb, they are far more likely to continue using it for future trips — both domestically and internationally. For hosts and property managers around the world, this means that Indian travelers are increasingly likely to appear in their booking inquiries, especially for popular international destinations.
Global Demand Shifts and What They Signal for Hosts
As new traveler demographics emerge from high-growth markets like India, property managers who understand and cater to these guests will be better positioned to capture bookings.
The rise of Indian travelers on global platforms is part of a broader trend of demand diversification in the short-term rental market. Historically, Airbnb’s user base was heavily concentrated in North America and Western Europe. The rapid expansion in markets like India suggests that the pool of potential guests is becoming genuinely global, which creates both opportunities and operational considerations for property managers.
For hosts operating in popular tourist destinations — whether in Europe, Southeast Asia, or the Americas — this shift means adapting to a wider range of guest expectations, communication preferences, and booking behaviors. Offering multilingual support, clear property descriptions, and responsive communication can make a meaningful difference in attracting and satisfying guests from emerging markets. Property management platforms like Lodgix can help streamline guest communication and booking workflows, making it easier to manage a diverse, international guest base efficiently.
Platform Diversification Is More Relevant Than Ever
Airbnb’s growth in India underscores the importance of listing properties on platforms with truly global reach if managers want to tap into emerging traveler segments.
The data from India is also a reminder of why platform strategy matters. Airbnb’s international footprint — and its ability to attract first-time users in markets like India — gives it a distinctive edge in connecting global travelers with properties around the world. For property managers who rely solely on regional booking platforms or direct bookings, this kind of demand may be harder to capture.
That said, a multi-channel approach remains the most resilient strategy. Listing across multiple platforms while maintaining strong direct booking capabilities allows managers to reach a broader audience without becoming overly dependent on any single source of reservations. As emerging markets like India continue to contribute more travelers to the global pool, having visibility across major international platforms will only become more valuable.
Staying informed about where global travel demand is growing — and adjusting listing strategies accordingly — is one of the most practical ways vacation rental managers can future-proof their business in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Source: India among fastest growing markets for Airbnb, new users grow by 60%, BusinessLine
