Characterisation of Short-Term Rentals in Granada, Spain: Spatial Analysis

Abstract

The popularisation of short-term rentals (STRs) as an alternative to traditional accommodation has changed the supply of accommodation in cities, as well as how tourists make use of the city. This type of accommodation is delocalised, which implies a greater use of the entire urban area, as well as its services and transport infrastructures. However, most of the supply follows the patterns of traditional accommodation and is concentrated in city centres, where most of the tourist resources are located, increasing the pressure on these spaces. This research aims to characterise the STRs in Granada to determine the mode and intensity of use of these accommodations in the urban area. The methodology is based on a detailed analysis by census sections of the supply of STRs, considering the number of accommodations and beds offered, their level of occupancy, the average rate per night, the average length of stay and indicators of tourist intensity. For this purpose, the database of the Andalusia Tourism Registry for the year 2023 and the database provided by the AirDNA platform for the period from January 2022 to June 2023 have been analysed and spatially represented at the census tract scale. The results indicate that Granada shows spatial distribution patterns where STR align closely with traditional accommodations, leading to increased tourist pressure in densely populated neighbourhoods. The highest concentrations are found around the historic centre and adjacent to the Alhambra-Generalife complex, specifically in the Albaicín and San Matías-Realejo neighbourhoods. These areas demonstrate higher occupancy rates that are on the rise, underscoring the need for measures to regulate the STR in Granada.