VisitPITTSBURGH and Allegheny County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars met to discuss the impact of short-term rentals in the region. In 2023 short-term rentals accounted for 8% of paid accommodation room nights in Allegheny County. Although a small share of overall room nights consumed, short-term rentals have experienced sizable growth between 2017 and 2023, up 140%—a trend we expect to continue over the next several years. Most short-term rental stays coincide with peak travel season—with 56% of total room nights consumed in Q2 and Q3. The rise in short-term rentals has altered the landscape of visitor accommodations in our region. This diversity can enhance the desirability of our region as a travel destination, accommodating a myriad of traveler preferences, and contributing to more extended stays and increased spending in our local economy. Many visitors seek to immerse themselves in the authenticity of our 90 distinct neighborhoods, with short-term rentals providing a unique opportunity to do just that. However, this trend also brings challenges, particularly in balancing the interests of homeowners, visitors, and our community at large. We appreciate the County Treasurer’s engagement as we continue to understand the impacts of this sector.
Below: Jerad Bachar, CEO & President VisitPITTSBURGH; County Treasurer Erica Rocchi Brusselars; and VisitPITTSBURGH's Andrea Wong Karkhanis, and Sean McCurdy, GTP, CTE, CCTE