As of 2026, Puebla’s lodging landscape is evolving rapidly, with Airbnb now offering 9,418 rooms across at least 19 municipalities in the state. This figure represents a significant slice of the total 41,500 rooms available for tourists, according to the state’s Secretaría de Desarrollo Turístico.

The rise of digital platforms like Airbnb is reshaping how visitors experience Puebla. Since the early days between 2014 and 2015, when local hosts first registered independent properties, the sector has steadily expanded. The real surge came in 2017, when Airbnb’s user base in Puebla’s capital tripled, growing by an impressive 306%. This growth mirrors trends seen earlier in Mexico City, signaling a broader shift toward flexible, tech-driven accommodation options.

Importantly, Airbnb and similar platforms operate under the same fiscal framework as traditional hotels in Puebla, contributing a 3% lodging tax. This policy ensures a level playing field between digital rentals and conventional hospitality businesses, supporting fair competition and local economic development. The state’s tourism secretary, Carla López-Malo Villalón, highlights that while formal hotels still hold 77% of available rooms, digital rentals now account for 33% of the total market—a clear sign of their growing influence.

Revenue from this lodging tax is managed exclusively by fiscal authorities, while tourism agencies maintain active partnerships with local hotel and motel associations to promote Puebla as a destination. This collaborative approach balances innovation with tradition, fostering a diverse and inclusive tourism ecosystem.

For travelers—especially Millennials and migrants who value authentic, flexible stays—this expanding Airbnb presence offers more choices and often more affordable options. For Puebla’s communities, the tax framework tied to these platforms helps ensure that tourism growth benefits local economies fairly.

In a region embracing new mobility projects like the upcoming cablebús in Puebla, the evolution of lodging options complements broader efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve accessibility. Together, these developments signal a dynamic future for Puebla’s tourism sector, one that blends innovation with social responsibility.