Are Airbnb Bookings Down in 2025? What Hosts in the Caribbean Need to Know

2025 has been a year of change for short-term rental hosts around the world. If you’ve noticed fewer booking requests or shorter stays lately, you’re not alone — conversations from host communities globally suggest a shift in traveler behavior.

In this post:

1. Are bookings really down?
2. Why this is happening in 2025
3. The Caribbean host perspective
4. How to protect your income in 2025
5. The bigger picture

1) Are bookings really down?

Recent industry signals indicate a slowdown in booking growth compared to 2022–2023. While travel demand remains, the distribution of bookings is shifting: guests are more price-sensitive, they’re browsing alternative platforms, and some markets are saturated with new listings.

For the Caribbean specifically, fluctuations in seasonal travel patterns and currency exchange rates can have an outsized impact on demand.

2) Why this is happening in 2025

• Economic pressures: Rising costs of flights, food, and entertainment push travelers toward shorter trips or different destinations.
• Platform competition: Guests are cross-shopping between platforms, and discount-led merchandising can shift visibility and demand.
• Regulatory changes: New short‑term rental rules in some cities/countries are capping supply or adding compliance costs.
• Traveler priorities: Post-pandemic, experiences, safety, and flexibility are valued over traditional amenity lists.

3) The Caribbean host perspective

In Trinidad & Tobago and across the region, hosts face unique dynamics: seasonal peaks tied to Carnival and the holidays; a large share of diaspora travelers; and under‑marketed shoulder seasons. When global patterns shift, Caribbean hosts tend to feel the effects quickly.

4) How to protect your income in 2025

1. Optimize pricing: Use dynamic pricing tools to stay competitive without racing to the bottom.
2. Diversify platforms: List on multiple platforms and build a direct booking website to reduce platform risk.
3. Elevate experiences: Add curated activities, local partnerships, and premium touches that win conversions even at higher rates.
4. Targeted marketing: Focus on niche segments (eco-tourists) with tailored offers.
5. Drive repeat stays: Incentivize past guests with loyalty perks or exclusive return offers.

5) The bigger picture

While bookings may be down in some markets, hosts who adapt quickly continue to thrive. This is a prime moment for Caribbean hosts to refine their brand, expand distribution, and double down on delivering standout experiences.