Airbnb report shows how short-term rentals can meet lodging demand during LA28 Olympics

Analysis projects up to 320,000 visitors seeking additional lodging options across peak competition days

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new report by Deloitte examines how lodging demand during the LA28 Olympic Games could exceed typical market capacity during peak competition days. The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to draw 15 million visitors, creating one of the largest tourism surges the city and counties have ever experienced. Deloitte's analysis projects exceptionally strong demand for accommodations in Los Angeles County and Orange County, with up to 320,000 visitors seeking additional lodging options across peak days.

Why it matters

Thoughtful policy adjustments to local short-term rental laws could enable the city and counties to deploy flexible lodging capacity and maximize the benefits of the tourism surge across local communities. By increasing short-term rental supply, Deloitte estimates the city and counties would not only provide tourists with more lodging options but also capture millions in direct economic activity including jobs and combined tax revenue.

The details

Deloitte's analysis projects exceptionally strong demand for accommodations in Los Angeles County and Orange County, with spectator demand projected to exceed the capacity of available lodging in LA County and Orange County on 13 of the 19 competition days, potentially leaving up to 320,000 visitors with limited lodging options across these peak days. While a significant portion of the lodging needs for athletes, people working at the Games, sponsors and other event stakeholders are generally addressed through university housing and hotel room blocks, an effective lodging strategy for spectators will ensure Los Angeles is prepared to welcome visitors from around the world and showcase the best of Southern California's vibrant communities.

  • The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place primarily across Los Angeles County and Orange County.
  • In the first 24 hours of registration for the LA28 Ticket Draw, LA28 received more than 1.5 million registrations.

The players

Deloitte

A consulting firm that conducted the analysis on lodging demand during the LA28 Olympic Games.

LA28

The organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, which will be held primarily in Los Angeles County and Orange County.

Airbnb

A home-sharing platform that could help provide additional lodging options during the LA28 Olympics.

Valley Industry and Commerce Association

A business organization that has expressed support for smart short-term rental policies to accommodate more visitors during the LA28 Games.

Orange County Business Council

A business organization that has urged lawmakers to expand short-term rental options to maximize the benefits of the LA28 Olympics in their community.

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What they’re saying

“Excitement for the LA28 Olympics is already high and now the numbers are clear: demand for lodging could exceed capacity, and tourists need more options for a place to stay. Short-term rentals are a simple and sustainable solution to not only accommodate more visitors in the L.A. area, but also generate millions in direct economic activity that would benefit the city, counties, and local communities.”

— Justin Wesson, Senior Public Policy Manager, Airbnb (Airbnb)

“The LA28 Games are expected to bring millions of visitors to LA and will create one of the largest tourism surges and economic opportunities we've ever experienced. Reasonable short-term rental rules are the practical solution to expand LA's accommodation capacity without the cost of new construction. If we can accommodate more visitors locally, we can amplify the benefits of visitor spending for communities and small businesses across LA.”

— Stuart Waldman, President, Valley Industry and Commerce Association (Airbnb)

“The LA28 Olympics are a huge opportunity for Orange County's business community, which is why we need to be ready. By expanding short-term rental options, we can maximize the benefits of this once-in-a-lifetime event in our community, helping local shops, restaurants, and service providers thrive as we welcome visitors from around the world.”

— Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO, Orange County Business Council (Airbnb)

What’s next

The LA28 organizing committee and local governments in Los Angeles and Orange County will need to evaluate policy changes to short-term rental regulations to accommodate the expected surge in lodging demand during the Olympic Games.

The takeaway

The LA28 Olympics present a significant economic opportunity for the Los Angeles region, but meeting the expected lodging demand will require innovative solutions like expanding short-term rental capacity. By doing so, the city and counties can not only provide more options for visitors, but also capture millions in direct economic activity that will benefit local communities.