Airbnb’s economic activity in Puerto Rico reached $1.87 billion in 2025

Airbnb generated a record $1.87 billion in economic impact for Puerto Rico in 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, as the island experienced unprecedented tourism growth. (Facebook via View from YOUR window (the ORIGINAL Group!)

By THE STAR STAFF

Airbnb generated a record $1.87 billion in economic impact for Puerto Rico in 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, as the island experienced unprecedented tourism growth. The amount represents Airbnb’s contribution to the island’s gross domestic product.

Data from Airbnb indicates that about 2.3 million local and visiting guests contributed $513 million in tax revenue, excluding taxes directly collected and remitted by Airbnb.

Overall, Airbnb’s total economic activity in Puerto Rico reached $3.02 billion, including direct, indirect, and induced effects across the supply chain. Of this total, $1.87 billion is value added -- that is, wealth that remains circulating within the island’s economy.

The surge in 2025 was largely fueled by event tourism, particularly a historic music residency that spiked demand for accommodations and services. Airbnb’s diverse offerings helped accommodate this influx, extending economic benefits beyond traditional tourist zones.

“The 2025 results confirm that Puerto Rico is experiencing one of the most vibrant periods in its tourism history,” said Carlos Muñoz, Airbnb’s director of public policy for Central America and the Caribbean. “Airbnb has played a key role in supporting this growth, helping turn tourism into income, jobs, and opportunities for families, communities, and local businesses island-wide.” 

Airbnb guests spent an estimated $2.22 billion at local businesses -- about $4 for every dollar spent on accommodation. The largest portions went to restaurants, supermarkets, transportation, entertainment, and shopping.

* Entertainment: $349 million

* Supermarkets: $399 million

* Restaurants: $776 million

* Shopping: $338 million

* Transportation: $360 million.

On average, each Airbnb guest spent $270 per night in Puerto Rico, or about $947 per visit, underscoring tourism’s importance to the local economy.

Employment, income, and benefits for communities

Airbnb-related economic activity supported more than 32,000 jobs and generated more than $1.05 billion in labor income in 2025. Puerto Rican hosts collectively earned over $458 million, giving thousands of families a direct stake in the island’s tourism boom.

The platform recorded over 8.2 million overnight stays and 2.3 million guests in 2025, highlighting Airbnb’s central role in Puerto Rico’s growing and diversified tourism sector.

Airbnb said the results underscore the need for a uniform and fair regulatory framework to support the sector’s growth and benefits. The company reiterated its commitment to work with the Puerto Rican government on balanced regulations, including facilitating room tax collection and supporting long-term, sustainable tourism development.