US: Expedia Group has added a suite of updates to its Vrbo vacation home rental platform designed to drive more demand for vacation rental partners, improve quality standards, and simplify the booking process for travellers.
The updates were unveiled at EXPLORE Connect: Vacation Rentals, where partners gathered to hear the company’s latest strategy.
Vrbo listings should now be gaining broader exposure through Expedia Group’s global ecosystem, including its flagship Expedia brand and its B2B distribution network of more than 70,000 businesses and 160,000 travel agents.
Early partners such as Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Revolut are already rolling out Vrbo supply to their customers. Enhanced search functions on Expedia, including a new filter that toggles between hotels and vacation rentals, are also set to boost discoverability.
Vrbo will begin transitioning its Premier Host program in 2026 from host-level to listing-level recognition, with higher thresholds for acceptance, cancellation, and guest ratings.
Tim Rosolio, vice president of vacation rental partnerships at Expedia Group said: “Outstanding homes and excellent hospitality are what create unforgettable stays. We believe great hosting isn’t optional, it’s the Vrbo standard.”
Expedia Group also introduced new tech features for hosts. Performance Milestones will provide coaching and recognition tools, while new content management and onboarding systems will streamline property setup.
Vrbo Promotions are being expanded to more partners, and a pilot of Vrbo Payments will allow the platform to act as merchant of record, unlocking more flexibility for property managers and One Key loyalty members.
To strengthen traveller trust, Vrbo has launched and piloted several AI-powered features. These include instant guest review summaries, property Q&A bots, dynamic highlights showcasing unique features, and guest-uploaded photos alongside reviews.
Larry Plawsky, general manager of Vrbo said: “We are investing in products and features that enhance every step of the journey, driving more demand for our hosts and making Vrbo the most trusted vacation rental marketplace.”
Highlights:
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Expedia Group has added several tech updates to its Vrbo platform.
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The Premier Host program has been strengthened, shifting to listing-level recognition with stricter quality standards from 2026.
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New AI-powered tools, including guest review summaries and property Q&A, should enhance trust and simplify trip planning.
