York's short-let market: tourism figures explained

York's staying visitors are growing fast. In 2025 the city had 1.87 million staying visitors, up 9% on the year before, and they stayed an average of just over three nights. For short-let owners, that means strong demand from guests who stay long enough to make a booking worthwhile.

Here is what the latest figures from Make It York, the city's tourism body, show.

How many people visit York?

Make It York's figures for 2025 show York welcomed 8.88 million visitors. Most came for the day: 7.01 million day visitors. The rest stayed overnight.

Tourism contributed £2.08 billion to York's economy in 2025, a 3.6% increase on 2024.

Are staying visitors rising?

The figure that matters most to short-let owners is staying visitors. In 2025, the number reached 1.87 million, an increase of 9% on 2024. Make It York reports that every accommodation sector saw more people staying than the year before.

The average length of stay was 3.1 nights, across hotels, self-catering and staying with friends and family. Three-night stays are good business for a short let: fewer changeovers, less cleaning per night and less wear.

How does 2025 compare with 2024?

A year earlier, Make It York reported 1.7 million staying visitors in 2024, with an average stay of 3.3 nights. In 2024, 54% of overnight visitors stayed in serviced accommodation such as hotels, with self-catering described as a close favourite.

So between 2024 and 2025, the number of staying visitors grew, while the average stay shortened slightly. More guests staying a little less time means more bookings, and more changeovers, for the same number of nights.

Where do visitors spend their money?

Make It York breaks down visitor spending for 2025:

• 32% on shopping
• 27% on food and drink
• 27% on accommodation
• 11% on recreation and entertainment
• 3% on transport

More than a quarter of all visitor spending goes on accommodation. That is the slice short lets compete for.

How many overseas visitors come?

Overseas visitors made up 18% of total visits in 2025 and brought in £0.57 billion, over a quarter of the economic impact. International guests often stay longer and use York as a base for wider travel. Clear check-in instructions, good Wi-Fi and a listing that explains transport links help win their bookings.

How much does Christmas matter?

Events concentrate demand. Make It York reported that the Christmas Market welcomed 1.2 million visitors, with 37% staying overnight. For a few weeks each year, demand for beds in the centre is far higher than usual. See our York events calendar for short-let owners.

Do day visitors matter for short lets?

Seven million day visitors fill York's streets, but they do not need beds. The guests who matter to you are the 1.87 million who stay. Your listing should speak to them: people planning a few days away, often as a couple or a family, often touring beyond the city.

What do guests expect in York?

York guests come for history, walking and food. They value a central location, a comfortable bed, a kitchen for easy breakfasts, and honesty about stairs and parking in old buildings. Homes that work as a base for day trips, with parking or easy access to the station, have an edge.

Do touring guests book weekly stays?

Because many visitors use York as a base for the Dales, the Moors and the coast, weekly stays are a real opportunity. A clear weekly discount, a well-stocked kitchen and a washing machine make a home far more attractive to a family or couple planning a week of day trips. Longer stays also mean fewer changeovers and lower cleaning costs.

Do more visitors bring more attention?

Growth brings scrutiny. The council expects owners to check planning, manage guests and handle waste properly. A well-run home is protected when rules tighten. See Airbnb rules in York.

What do the numbers mean for you?

• Staying visitors are rising fast, up 9% in 2025.
• Guests stay just over three nights on average, which suits short lets well.
• Over a quarter of visitor spending goes on accommodation.
• Overseas guests are a growing share, so make your listing easy for them.

What about the shoulder months?

Spring and autumn are where good management makes the biggest difference. Demand is steady but not guaranteed, and guests compare listings closely. Sharp pricing, flexible minimum stays and strong reviews fill these weeks. Empty shoulder weeks are often where an owner's annual income is won or lost.

How much competition is there?

Rising demand also attracts new hosts. Competition is strongest in the centre and at peak times. Photos, reviews and pricing decide which homes fill, especially in the shoulder months of spring and autumn.

See what your home could earn

City-wide figures only go so far. Our York short-let management team uses live market data to price your home night by night. Get a free valuation for your address and see what these numbers mean for you.

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This is general information, not legal or tax advice. It is our own interpretation of the rules and figures as they stand on the date shown above, and they can change. Speak to a qualified solicitor or accountant before you act on anything here.