Airbnb accommodation rates in Medellín have fallen by up to 88% this Saturday, following complaints about exorbitant prices for Bad Bunny's concerts. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez intervened and contacted the platform, while the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio warns of sanctions for unilateral cancellations. Over 100,000 visitors are expected, with an economic impact exceeding US$37 million.
Bad Bunny's concerts at Medellín's Atanasio Girardot Stadium, scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as part of his 'Debí tirar más fotos' tour, have created significant economic impact but also controversy in accommodations. The Secretariat of Tourism and Entertainment estimates a US$36.1 million spillover with nearly 100,000 visitors and 94% hotel occupancy, per recent data. However, platforms like Airbnb initially saw prices surge, with examples up to $61 million per night, prompting abuse complaints.
Mayor Federico Gutiérrez spoke out against about ten cases of prior reservation cancellations, where owners paid platform fines to relist at higher prices. In an interview with La FM, Gutiérrez said he contacted Airbnb executives to request 'clear rules of the game.' This Saturday's review showed drastic reductions: one apartment dropped from $12 million to $1.4 million per night (88% less), and others from $2 million to $400,000 (80% less).
The Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) stepped in, warning of sanctions up to 2,000 minimum monthly wages for breaches. The agency reminded providers to offer equivalent services or refund the agreed price. Medellín has over 13,000 Airbnb properties and nearly 24,000 total on short-term platforms. Gutiérrez noted: 'If Medellín were a country on Spotify, it would be fifth in the world for reproductions, thanks to reggaeton. We expect 100,000 people for these concert days'.
The phenomenon is not new for Bad Bunny, who in 2025 generated over US$200 million in ticket sales and was Spotify's most listened-to artist with 20 billion streams. His tour has already grossed US$107 million from the first 12 shows, selling 697,000 tickets. In Puerto Rico, his performances contributed 0.25% to GDP with US$300 million in economic activation.
