Andalusia, Queen of Europe: Flexible Accommodation Conquers the Lead Ahead of the Côte d'Azur

Andalusia is not only a first-class tourist destination; it has become the European epicentre of the Flexible Accommodation. A recent analysis by the consultancy firm Transparent, commissioned by Vitur Summit, reveals an extraordinary milestone: with 26.6 million overnight stays registered in 2025, the Andalusian region is positioned as the most demanded destination in Europe for this type of accommodation.

This achievement puts Andalusia ahead of other world-renowned tourism giants. It has overtaken the glamorous Côte d'Azur France (24.3 million overnights), to its neighbouring Catalonia (23.1 million) and Croatia's Adriatic coast (21.5 million), consolidating its attractiveness on a continental scale.

The impact of this dynamism on the regional economy is undeniable. The Flexible Accommodation already represents the 1.7% of Andalusia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is responsible for the creation of more than 16,000 direct jobs. These figures show that this is not a marginal activity, but a structural economic driver.

But who is behind this success? Contrary to the perception of large conglomerates, the heart of the Flexible Accommodation Andalusian resides in the smallholders. The report highlights that the 86% of managers manage only one or two properties, painting a landscape of a capillary and distributed economy, deeply rooted in the local community. Strong international demand, led by travellers from the UK and Germany, is the main driver of this ecosystem.

This leadership comes at a time of profound regulatory transformation. The recent decree of the Junta de Andalucía, which gives local councils the power to limit and regulate supply, is seen by the sector, in the words of Carlos Pérez-Lanzac, as a «useful tool» for intelligent management. The data in this report reinforces the idea that the strength of the sector does not need to be curbed, but rather a regulation that promotes quality and sustainability, allowing the sector to be managed intelligently. Flexible Accommodation remains a fundamental pillar for the future of Andalusia.

The next edition Vitur Summit 2026 will take place in Malaga on Thursdays 13 and 14 May and will once again be the meeting point for operators, investors and companies in the sector to boost their business, establish strategic alliances with the different agents involved and gain access to all the latest news, trends and opportunities in the sector from leading speakers and companies.

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