Country-level differences in motivations for choosing short-term rentals over hotels: A regional analysis of consumer preferences
Vol. 19, No 2, 2026
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Mohammad Rehabi
Department of Trade and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic rehabi@pef.czu.cz ORCID 0000-0002-4577-4750 |
Country-level differences in motivations for choosing short-term rentals over hotels: A regional analysis of consumer preferences |
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Inna Cabelkova
Department of Trade and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic cabelkova@pef.czu.cz ORCID 0000-0002-8302-1004 Lubos Smutka
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave), Institute of Management, Bratislava, Slovakia lubos.smutka@stuba.sk ORCID 0000-0001-5385-1333 Patrik Rovny
Sloval Agricultural University in Nitra, Slovakia patrik.rovny@uniag.sk ORCID 0000-0001-9515-240X Ghaeth Fandi
Department of Trade and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic fandi@ftz.czu.cz ORCID 0000-0002-5488-6965
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Abstract. This study examines country-level variations in the motivations behind choosing short-term rentals (STRs) over hotels across multiple European nations. Using harmonised EU-27 survey data collected in 2021 and archived in 2022, the study analyses key factors such as affordability, location, authenticity, user reviews, and facilities, uncovering regional differences in consumer preferences. The findings indicated that while affordability and authenticity are dominant motivators in Southern and Eastern Europe, Northern and Western European travellers prioritize service quality and trust mechanisms like reviews. The study provides valuable insights for platform providers and policymakers to tailor strategies according to regional consumer expectations, enhancing the overall short-term rental experience within the collaborative economy. |
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Received: June, 2025 1st Revision: January, 2026 Accepted: June, 2026 |
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DOI: 10.14254/2071-8330.2026/19-12/8
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JEL Classification: D12, O52 |
Keywords: consumer motivations, short-term housing, Europe, country differences |
