Matara, Southern Province Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Matara, Southern Province? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $10,351 per year — at a $115 nightly rate, 30.0% occupancy, and a $42 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 41 active listings, Matara is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply expanded 141.2% as revenue climbed even while nightly rates softened — occupancy gains are outrunning rate pressure. For hosts entering now, strengthening demand means there is still room to build a profitable listing.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Matara?
In Matara, the headline Airbnb metrics are $10,351 in average annual revenue,30.0% occupancy, $115 ADR, and $42 in RevPAR, and guests book about 33 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Matara?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Matara is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Matara is typically April, while July often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Matara across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,177+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,777 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $437 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $151, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Matara
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Matara?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Matara STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Matara:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 62%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 46% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 27%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 13% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Matara
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Matara?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Matara involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Matara typically peaks in June and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $181+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $89 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $43 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $22 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Matara
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Matara?
RevPAR in Matara is currently $42. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $7 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $10 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $40 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $136 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Matara
RevPAR Insights for Matara
- The average RevPAR in Matara is $42. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($136) and bottom 25% ($7) is $130, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Apr and bottoms out in Jul, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Matara benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $10, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $40+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Matara?
Matara's peak Airbnb season falls in April, February, January, while the softest stretch is June, July, October. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (April, February, January)
- Revenue averages $1,953 per month
- Occupancy rates average 47.2%
- Daily rates average $85
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,314 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 30.1%
- Daily rates hold near $90
Low Season (June, July, October)
- Revenue drops to average $877 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 15.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $98
Seasonality Insights for Matara
- Airbnb seasonality in Matara is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Matara's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $2,264, occupancy reaching 56.2%, and ADRs peaking at $99.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $716, occupancy could drop to 13.3%, and ADRs may adjust to $78.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Matara need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Matara, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Matara?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Matara, Southern Province, Sri Lanka point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Matara to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Matara?
With a compact short-term rental market, Matara gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Unawatuna | Famous for its beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. A popular destination for both local and international tourists looking for relaxation and fun. | Unawatuna Beach, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Galle Fort, Diving and snorkeling spots, Local restaurants and bars |
| Mirissa | Renowned for its stunning beaches and whale watching opportunities. Ideal for visitors seeking natural beauty and adventure. | Mirissa Beach, Whale watching tours, Coconut tree hill, Local fish markets, Surfing spots |
| Matara | The main city in the region, offering a mix of culture and urban living. A great base for exploring the southern coastline. | Matara Fort, Weherahena Temple, Star Fort, Local markets, Public beaches |
| Weligama | Famous for its surf breaks and relaxed vibe. Attracts surfers and beach lovers from all over the world. | Weligama Beach, Surfing schools, Stilt fishermen, Galle District tours, Local seafood dining |
| Dikwella | Known for its serene beaches and less crowded environment. Perfect for families and those seeking tranquility. | Dikwella Beach, Hiriketiya Bay, Local artisan shops, Historical temples, Fishing villages |
| Thalpe | An exclusive area with beautiful villas and resorts. Excellent for travelers looking for luxury and privacy. | Thalpe Beach, Luxury resorts, Local seafood restaurants, Surfing spots, Galle Fort nearby |
| Koggala | A serene area with a beautiful lagoon and beaches. Appeals to nature lovers and those seeking a quieter stay. | Koggala Lake, Martin Wickramasinghe Museum, Historical temples, Local craft shops, Beach activities |
| Polhena | Known for its calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities. | Polhena Beach, Snorkeling opportunities, Local restaurants, Turtle watching, Relaxing beach spots |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Matara offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Matara?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Matara
- The Matara Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 56.1% of the 41 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 43.9% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Matara, House properties are the most common (56.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 56.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 19.5% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, others, unique stays (combined 9.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Matara Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Matara
- The dominant room capacity in Matara is 1 bedroom listings, making up 34.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 48.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Matara, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 31.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Matara.
Matara Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Matara
- The most common guest capacity trend in Matara vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (19.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Matara STR market, accounting for 36.6% of listings.
- 24.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Matara.
- On average, properties in Matara are equipped to host 3.4 guests.
How Do Listings in Matara Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Matara can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Matara
- At 38 photos per listing on average, Matara hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 34.1% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Matara averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Matara?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Matara
- Essential amenities in Matara that guests expect include: Wifi, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Air conditioning, Kitchen, Cooking basics are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Matara: Wifi, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Air conditioning or Kitchen to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Matara to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Matara?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Matara, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pool | 39.0% | $24,161 | $1,512 | 1497.6% |
Hot water | 56.1% | $17,354 | $1,403 | 1137.2% |
Hangers | 41.5% | $22,344 | $1,856 | 1103.9% |
Dishes and silverware | 53.7% | $17,868 | $1,647 | 984.5% |
Hair dryer | 43.9% | $21,066 | $1,965 | 971.9% |
Refrigerator | 56.1% | $16,976 | $1,886 | 800.3% |
Blender | 31.7% | $25,899 | $3,132 | 726.9% |
Cooking basics | 61.0% | $15,554 | $2,222 | 600.1% |
High chair | 12.2% | $41,187 | $6,068 | 578.7% |
Hot water kettle | 41.5% | $20,343 | $3,273 | 521.5% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Matara
- Pool tops the revenue impact list with a 1497.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $24,161 vs. $1,512 without it.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Matara STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Matara. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMatara Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Matara
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Matara consists of predominantly international visitors (99%), with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or German.
- Domestic travelers account for 1.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include Germany (25.3%) and United Kingdom (17.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (39.8%) followed by German (18.3%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United Kingdom.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Matara?
Listings in Matara average 4.83 out of 5 overall, with about 12 reviews per active listing and 41.5% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Matara
- With an overall rating of 4.83, Matara listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.84), while Cleanliness (4.76) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 41.5% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Cleanliness — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Matara Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Matara
- The most common availability pattern in Matara falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 82.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 95.1% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Matara (43.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 4.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Matara?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Matara
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Matara is 33 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during August (average 41 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 17 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (31 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (23 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (33 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Matara.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 31 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Matara averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Matara?
Guests in Matara stay about 6.4 nights on average, generating roughly 392 reservations and 9.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Matara
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Matara
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- Stay lengths peak in Dec (7.3 nights) and shorten in Jun (1.7 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Matara Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
18 listings
43.9% of total
2 Nights
10 listings
24.4% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
2.4% of total
30+ Nights
12 listings
29.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Matara is 1 Night, adopted by 43.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (68.3%) of the Matara Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (29.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Matara, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 43.9% of Matara hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 29.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Matara.
Matara Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
19 listings
46.3% of total
Moderate
13 listings
31.7% of total
Firm
6 listings
14.6% of total
Strict
3 listings
7.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Matara
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Matara is Flexible, used by 46.3% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 78.0% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Matara may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (7.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 46.3% market standard in Matara.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 7.3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Matara.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Matara?
Cleaning fees in Matara are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Matara
- Only 31.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in Matara bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
- The gap between the average ($33) and median ($6) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 5.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Matara median of $6. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Matara Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Matarabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Infinity pool villa, sea views!
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Casa MiJa: Boutique Beach Front Villa Near Mirissa
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
See More Beach Ocean Cliff Villa
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Stella Home #2
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
SWEET VILLA
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Stella Home #1
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Matara?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Matara based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinesh | 1 | $82,891 | 14 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Raj | 1 | $81,450 | 75 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Amit | 2 | $75,105 | 24 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Eranga | 1 | $48,477 | 20 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Delphine | 1 | $37,870 | 100 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Leticia Jayalath | 3 | $31,364 | 4 | Not Rated |
| Meraki Sri Lanka | 2 | $13,083 | 11 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Chatura | 1 | $7,939 | 10 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Sehath | 1 | $6,994 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Dileepa | 1 | $6,404 | 12 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Matara.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Matara?
Matara has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Matara
- A 48.8% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 2.4% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 73.2% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 22.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Matara averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Matara's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Matara Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Mawella, Matara has 15 percentage points lower occupancy and about $120 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mawella | 11 | $3,373 | $234.50 | 45% |
| Kathaluwa | 53 | $2,537 | $329.57 | 33% |
| Walgama | 66 | $2,391 | $157.48 | 43% |
| Goviyapana | 44 | $2,208 | $192.72 | 42% |
| Kamburugamuwa | 18 | $2,173 | $263.60 | 29% |
| Olaganduwa | 10 | $2,011 | $215.72 | 34% |
| Talpe | 109 | $2,010 | $299.62 | 31% |
| Induruwa | 15 | $1,950 | $321.52 | 28% |
| Ranna | 11 | $1,882 | $201.33 | 28% |
| Madampagama | 25 | $1,747 | $241.96 | 37% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Matara
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Matara.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Matara?
Matara hosts earn about $10,351 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $115 and RevPAR of $42. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Matara, Southern Province, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Matara market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Matara?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Matara is 30.0%. April is the strongest month and July is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Matara?
Listings in Matara average $115 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Matara?
Matara currently has about 41 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Matara?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Matara as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Matara?
RevPAR in Matara is about $42. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Matara?
Occupancy of 30.0% means Matara is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $10,351, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Matara?
The average booking lead time in Matara is about 33 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Matara?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Matara include Unawatuna, Mirissa, Matara. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Matara?
entire_home listings make up 56.1% of the active supply in Matara. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Matara compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Mawella posts $40,476 in average annual revenue with 45.1% occupancy, compared to Matara's $10,351 and 30.0%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Matara?
The average Airbnb stay length in Matara is about 6.4 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Matara?
Airbnb listings in Matara average 4.83 out of 5 overall. About 41.5% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Matara?
Pool and Hot water are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Matara. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Matara?
Yes. About 31.7% of active Airbnb listings in Matara charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $33. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Matara?
A 48.8% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.