Vrbo Launches Fast Start Program to Fuel Early Success of New Hosts

Rhea-AI Summary

Vrbo, part of Expedia Group, launched a new program called Fast Start to enhance visibility for new properties within their first 90 days. Properties can earn an average of US$6,000 in that period, 50% more than on other sites. The program offers new hosts a badge, elevated search position, and dedicated support. A pilot showed a 25% increase in bookings and a 140% increase in gross booking value. The program kicks off in the U.S. and will expand globally. Last year, 95% of hosts participated in responsible travel initiatives.

Positive

• 25% increase in bookings during the pilot phase.
• 50% increase in booked nights for participating properties.
• 140% increase in gross booking value for new properties.
• New hosts can earn an average of US$6,000 within 90 days.

Negative

• None.

Vrbo ®, an Expedia Group company, today announces Fast Start, a new program that increases the visibility of new properties in the first 90 days and displays a review score based on reviews from other travel sites. Vrbo performed well last year and individual property owners who joined Vrbo in 2020 made an average of almost US$6,000 per property or 50 percent more than other travel sites.¹

Any Superhost or host with a 4.5+ review rating and who has earned more than US$3,000 in the last year is eligible for Fast Start. New properties across all vacation rental segments and brands — from individual owners to multi-property accounts — will display a ‘New to Vrbo’ badge for 90 days and feature its review score based on reviews from other travel sites. During this time, the new property will have an elevated position in sort, and new hosts will receive dedicated, personal support. The program begins with a virtual kick-off call from a Vrbo expert for seamless onboarding and a property does not have to be exclusive to Vrbo. The program launches today in the United States and will roll out globally in the coming months.

“In 2020, new Vrbo homes earned more than new properties on other travel sites. We are seeing great consumer demand on our site, and this presents an opportunity for new hosts wanting to join us. With Fast Start, new hosts join a trusted global vacation rental brand whilst keeping their hard-earned review score, and receive increased visibility, to set them up for early success on our platform,” said Cyril Ranque, President, Travel Partners Group, Expedia Group.

Vrbo piloted the program with 1,600 U.S. based hosts who recently came from other sites and wanted a quick way to ramp up their bookings. The impact of the Fast Start program for each property was positive including:

• 25% increase in bookings;
• 50% increase in booked nights;
• 140% increase in gross booking value. ²

Jeff Hurst, President of Vrbo, commented, “Alongside our hosts, Vrbo has set a high benchmark in vacation rentals for over 25 years. We have offered travelers a memorable vacation rental experience while giving our hosts access to a whole-home platform to grow their business. There is no doubt that vacation rentals are leading the travel rebound and 2021 has been our best start to a year in the U.S. We want professional hosts to be able to join us quickly and seamlessly as we continue on this exciting journey.”

In 2020, Vrbo worked with hosts to encourage responsible travel during the pandemic, which is now reaping long term benefits for the vacation rental industry. In March last year, Vrbo encouraged hosts to provide credits to redeem when the traveler felt safe, or was able, to travel again. At the time, almost 95% of Vrbo hosts opted into this program. Vrbo also included a ‘local laws’ functionality where hosts can see local laws relevant to them in each region through Vrbo’s partner portal Discovery Hub. Vrbo also partnered with NoiseAware, a wireless noise monitoring service that notifies hosts and property managers when noise levels reach or exceed an appropriate level.

For more information, please visit Fast Start at Vrbo.

¹ Based on public information seen by 03/20/2021.
² Pilot started December 2020-Feb 2021. All US properties. Comparison between eligible properties using Fast Start versus eligible properties not using Fast Start.

About Vrbo

In 1995, Vrbo introduced a new way for people to travel together, pairing homeowners with families and friends looking for places to stay. We were grounded in one purpose: To give people the space they need to drop the distractions of everyday life and simply be together. Since then, we've grown into a global community of homeowners and travelers, with unique properties around the world. Vrbo makes it easy and fun to book cabins, condos, beach houses and every kind of space in between.

Vrbo is part of Expedia Group and offers homeowners and property managers exposure to over 750 million visits to Expedia Group sites each month. To learn more, visit www.vrbo.com.

© 2021 Vrbo, an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Vrbo, HomeAway, the Vrbo logo, and the HomeAway logo are trademarks of HomeAway.

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) powers travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Expedia Group's family of brands includes: Brand Expedia®, Hotels.com®, Expedia® Partner Solutions, Vrbo®, Egencia®, trivago®, Orbitz®, Travelocity®, Hotwire®, Wotif®, ebookers®, CheapTickets®, Expedia Group™ Media Solutions, Expedia Local Expert®, CarRentals.com™, and Expedia Cruises™.

Expedia is a registered trademark of Expedia, Inc., or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210329005135/en/

FAQ

What is the Fast Start program launched by Vrbo?

The Fast Start program increases visibility for new properties on Vrbo for their first 90 days, providing enhanced support and a review score display.

How much can new property owners earn with Vrbo's Fast Start program?

New property owners can earn an average of US$6,000 during the first 90 days of joining Vrbo.

When does the Fast Start program for Vrbo properties launch?

The Fast Start program launched today in the United States and will roll out globally in the coming months.

What kind of support do new hosts receive in the Fast Start program?

New hosts receive dedicated, personal support, including a virtual kick-off call from a Vrbo expert.

How did the pilot program for Fast Start perform?

The pilot program showed a 25% increase in bookings, a 50% increase in booked nights, and a 140% increase in gross booking value.