Locarno

As of June 2026, Locarno, Ascona, Bellinzona have 1,300 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Locarno generates CHF23K per year. High-performing properties earn CHF42K/year, while low-performing properties earn CHF11K/year. The nearly 4x revenue gap between top and bottom performers suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to specific asset positioning rather than broad market averages.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Locarno. Average annual revenue is CHF23K with 36% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CHF42K/year. A 36% occupancy rate alongside declining supply indicates a market where revenue is heavily concentrated in seasonal peaks or specific high-demand segments.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Locarno is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CHF174, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CHF37 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Locarno, with annual revenue of CHF39K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Locarno market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Locarno area. Locarno: Moderate. Tourist accommodation permit required, registration with cantonal tourism office, compliance with safety standards. Enforcement present but not aggressive. Ascona: Moderate. Similar to Locarno - cantonal permit system, registration mandatory, safety/hygiene standards apply. Moderate enforcement through tourism authorities. Bellinzona: Moderate. Cantonal Ticino regulations apply - permits required, registration with tourism office, building code compliance. Standard enforcement, some unlicensed operations exist. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Locarno Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 8%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized contraction of both supply and revenue suggests a stabilizing market adjusting to lower aggregate demand without a collapse in pricing power.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak summer season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 48% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Locarno listings include: Kitchen (87%), Tv (70%), Heating (70%), Balcony (67%), Washing Machine (63%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Lake Access, Bbq, with Pool properties earning approximately 21% more (CHF42K/year vs CHF35K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Locarno over the last 12 months: May: CHF1K, June: CHF1K, July: CHF2K, August: CHF2K, September: CHF1K, October: CHF1K, November: CHF588, December: CHF895, January: CHF456, February: CHF431, March: CHF802, April: CHF2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Locarno is CHF174, up 22% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CHF140/night, 2-bedroom properties average CHF201/night, 3-bedroom properties average CHF271/night, 4+ bedroom properties average CHF351/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Locarno book an average of 32 days in advance, down 27% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 37 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Locarno Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 10%, revenue per listing decreased 8%, occupancy fell 6%, average nightly rates increased 22%, and lead time decreased 27%. These trends reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and higher price points, signaling a more reactive, opportunistic guest base.

In Locarno, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 15% higher occupancy than weekdays.