Milano Cortina 2026 Tops Airbnb’s Winter Travel Report as Olympic Travel Surges

Italy Takes Gold in Airbnb’s Winter Travel Rankings

Airbnb’s data shows that interest in Italy during the Winter Olympics period is being led by travelers from:

• Germany

• Canada

• Italy (domestic travelers)

• Switzerland

• The United States

With the Games now underway, travelers are not just tuning in. They are building entire winter itineraries around Milano Cortina 2026.

Unlike past Winter Olympics centered in one compact host city, these Games stretch across northern Italy. Events span Milan’s arenas and the alpine venues of the Dolomites. That geographic spread is encouraging longer stays, split itineraries, and regional exploration.

People are pairing Olympic events with ski days. Arena competitions with mountain lodge stays. Tickets with full winter holidays. The result is a new kind of Olympic travel, one that blends sport with scenery.

Gateway Travel Is the Quiet Trend Behind the Milan Olympics

One of the most interesting findings in Airbnb’s Winter 2026 report is the rise of “gateway travel.”

Instead of booking directly in central Milan, travelers are choosing nearby towns that offer easier access to Olympic venues while providing more space and a stronger connection to nature.

For Milano Cortina 2026, gateway travel means:

• Staying outside Milan’s city center but near major train lines

• Booking alpine villages within driving distance of ski competitions

• Choosing lake towns in Lombardy with rail access to Milan

• Splitting time between Milan and the Dolomites

Gateway travel offers flexibility, often more availability, and in some cases better pricing. It also allows visitors to experience northern Italy beyond the Olympic footprint.

The Games may be the anchor, but the landscape is the draw.

Winter Travel Shift Goes Beyond Italy

While Milano Cortina 2026 leads Airbnb’s winter rankings, the broader data reveals a global shift.

Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations that combine:

• City access

• Outdoor adventure

• Natural scenery

• Cultural depth

Trending winter regions this season include:

• Australian Capital Territory, Australia

• Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

• Goslar, Germany

• Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand

• San José, Costa Rica

• Goiás, Brazil

• Córdoba, Colombia

Across continents, the pattern is clear. Travelers want balance. Urban energy paired with nature. The Milan Olympics fit perfectly into that mindset.

U.S. Travelers Are Split: Snowy Slopes or Sunny Shores

Airbnb’s data also shows that American winter travelers are dividing into two distinct paths this season.

Some are leaning into snow-focused trips, choosing smaller ski towns over high-profile resorts. Others are heading toward warm-weather coastal destinations with cultural appeal. For the most part, instead of defaulting to famous winter hotspots, travelers are seeking places that feel more personal and less crowded.

For snowbirds, though, the data is overwhelmingly clear: Florida is the place to be this season, with the top trending destinations for travelers aged 60+ all located in the Sunshine State. Many are booking extended stays and choosing beach houses and condos.

While Olympic-driven European travel is surging, winter demand overall is firmly divided. Some are chasing medals. Others are chasing sunshine.

Travelers are choosing destinations with purpose. They are building itineraries around events. They are seeking space, scenery, and longer stays. Italy may have taken gold in Airbnb’s winter search rankings, but the deeper story is how global travel behavior continues to evolve. The Milan Winter Olympics have simply accelerated it.

FAQs: Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Travel and Airbnb Trends

Why is Italy trending for winter travel in 2026?


Italy is trending because of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Airbnb’s Winter 2026 report shows significant year-over-year search growth in Lombardy, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Veneto during the Olympic period.

What are the top Airbnb regions during the Milan Winter Olympics?


The highest growth is in Lombardy, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Veneto, which are official host regions for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

What is gateway travel during Milano Cortina 2026?

Gateway travel refers to staying in nearby towns rather than directly in Olympic host cities. Travelers are booking accommodations outside central Milan or Cortina while using rail or road connections to attend events.

Is Milan the best place to stay during the Winter Olympics 2026?


Milan offers convenience for arena events, but many visitors are choosing lake towns or alpine villages for more space and easier access to mountain competitions.

Are accommodations booking up for Milano Cortina 2026?


Yes. Airbnb data shows strong year-over-year search growth, particularly in host regions. Availability may be tighter closer to event dates.

Which countries are driving demand for the Milan Winter Olympics?


Germany, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, and the United States are among the top countries showing search interest for Olympic travel to northern Italy.

Are families traveling to the Milan Olympics?


Yes. Multi-generational trips are increasing, and larger Airbnb homes are seeing strong demand during the Winter Olympics period.

How far apart are Milan and Cortina during the Olympics?


Milan and Cortina are several hours apart by car, which is why many travelers are splitting stays between the city and alpine regions.

Is the Winter Olympics boosting tourism in northern Italy?


Airbnb’s data indicates measurable increases in travel searches and interest across Olympic host regions, suggesting a clear tourism boost linked to Milano Cortina 2026.

What are the biggest winter travel trends in 2026?


Olympic-driven travel to Italy, smaller ski towns, longer family stays, multi-generational trips, rural getaways, and gateway travel are leading Winter 2026 trends.