It is often said that Greeks are a nation of last-minute planners. However, data indicates that this trend is not exclusive to Greece; it has now become a global characteristic of travel behaviour.
The statistics presented in London on 22 April at the Short Stay Summit 2026 highlight that this is not just about Greek travellers, but rather reflects an international trend in the short-term rental market.
A staggering 41.7% of bookings on short-term letting platforms are made just one week prior to arrival. The window between booking and check-in is shrinking, significantly increasing the pressure on property management and operations.
What last-minute bookings mean in practice
In the hotel industry, there is a dedicated team of staff handling various departments. The housekeeping team, responsible for cleaning the rooms, is on-site regardless of occupancy levels. In the short-term rental sector, however, this is not the case.
The individual or team responsible for cleaning a property must be on constant alert so that, as soon as a new booking is confirmed, they can clean the accommodation immediately. This requires them to be readily available at short notice.
Simultaneously, the demands on pricing management are increasing, particularly when dynamic pricing—adjusting rates based on demand, seasonality, and competition—is not utilised (you can learn more about dynamic pricing here).
The contradiction of the summit
While an increasing number of industries are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for speed and automation, Airbnb managers continue to highlight fundamental day-to-day issues, such as payment delays and the reliability of customer support across different platforms.
Property managers pointed out that technological advancements and automated systems can be particularly beneficial for hosting companies, as opposed to individuals managing just one or two properties.
Platform commission fees have risen, and guest reviews are not cross-checked before publication. As a result, small-scale managers find themselves grappling with a constant state of anxiety and uncertainty.
The cost of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the primary tools for the evolution of short-term letting, offering process automation, improved pricing management, and an enhanced guest experience.
Nevertheless, its implementation comes at a price. As the use of such tools grows, so does the operational burden on managers, especially those operating on a smaller scale.
Consequently, while technology promises greater efficiency, it simultaneously creates a new dilemma: whether to invest in advanced tools or maintain low operational costs.
The new market reality
The trend of last-minute bookings, coupled with an increasing reliance on technology, is shaping a new landscape in short-term letting. It is an environment that is moving increasingly faster, with last-minute reservations becoming the rule rather than the exception.
For property managers, this translates to greater pressure, but also a need for rapid response, proper organisation, and the effective use of tools. The ensuing question is whether this transition can practically be supported by everyone, or if it will ultimately favour those who have the capacity to adapt more swiftly.
