Airbnb accommodation is becoming increasingly important for tourism. In Ostrobothnia, for example, private accommodation already accounts for 20% of all accommodation capacity.
It all started four years ago, when the couple’s long-term tenants left their owner-occupied flat.
– We thought we would try short-term rentals and see how many people would come and how much work it would take,” Rauma recalls.
After the first apartment, the business started to expand rapidly. After just over a year and a half, there were already two apartments. Today, five apartments and a summer cottage are available for rent.
On the map of Finland, Airbnb destinations are concentrated in Uusimaa and Lapland. Last year, the most active destinations were in Helsinki and northern holiday destinations, according to Vertaa Ensin Suomi Oy’s annual report.
Accommodation becomes professional when there are more than two apartments for rent.
In 2021, Rauma and her husband founded their own company for accommodation operations.
– Yes, I thought for a long time whether I would dare to leave my permanent job, but at some point I had to do it. It’s still different being an entrepreneur than being on someone else’s payroll.
Kokkola woke up quite late for the race
In Helsinki, the number of Airbnb apartments, more than 1,400, was in a class of its own, even though it actually collapsed during the corona years.
Otherwise, the number of active sites has decreased in large cities in the south and increased in northern Finland.
If the Airbnb density is compared to the number of inhabitants, Lapland is in a league of its own: there are less than 70 inhabitants per accommodation.
In the Ostrobothnia provinces and Satakunta, operations were also the least profitable last year.
– We are not a very strong tourist town, and that’s probably why many operators didn’t see that there could be a good opportunity for tourism, Pietilä reflects.
However, according to Pietilä, the concept has proven to work in Kokkola. It can be seen in higher occupancy rates than other accommodation establishments.
– There are no apartment hotels in Kokkola, so both families with children and gig workers appreciate a slightly larger accommodation space, which also has its own kitchen, Pietilä says.
Relative figures do not tell the whole story
Although the number of Airbnb apartments fluctuates a lot depending on the region, they are increasing their share in the regional accommodation supply.
For example, in Ostrobothnia, the number of unregistered accommodations out of all accommodation capacity is estimated to be up to 20 percent this year.
– The real number can be something completely different, because, for example, there are many private investors in new apartment buildings who rent out apartments.
*The topic can be discussed until 23:00 on October 21.*