Vrbo News

Vrbo has emerged as a major player in the short-term rental space, serving families and group travelers with a platform focused on whole-home accommodations. At PhocusWire, we bring you the latest Vrbo news, examining the company’s strategy, platform innovations, and its impact on the evolving home-sharing economy.

Vrbo vacation rental updates and home sharing market trends

Our reporting explores Vrbo’s product enhancements, marketing shifts, and partnerships within the broader Expedia Group ecosystem. From traveler experience upgrades and host tools to policy changes and regulatory challenges, we follow how Vrbo is positioning itself in a highly competitive vacation rental landscape.

Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel
News / Online
Barry Diller on AI, the future of Expedia Group and the transformative power of travel
By Morgan Hines | May 16, 2024
Expedia Group chairman and senior executive Barry Diller said he believes the world is seeing the beginning of the company's "next evolution" with Ariane Gorin as CEO. Read More
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
News / Technology
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2024
 At Expedia Group's Explore event, the company announced a new generative AI trip planning tool and content creator marketplaces.   Read More
Airbnb’s “Icons” launch prompts mixed reaction from industry voices
News / Online
Airbnb’s “Icons” launch prompts mixed reaction from industry voices
By Morgan Hines | May 6, 2024
Some industry leaders are in favor of Airbnb's new limited-access, unconventional experiences that tie into pop culture while others are feeling underwhelmed Read More
Incoming Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin emphasizes AI, personalization
News / Online
Incoming Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin emphasizes AI, personalization
By Morgan Hines | May 2, 2024
Ariane Gorin shared her plans as the incoming CEO of Expedia Group while the company reported earnings, tempering booking expectations for 2024. Read More
Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy
News / Technology
Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy
By D.J. Catron | April 24, 2024
Airbnb’s new policy banning indoor security cameras takes effect April 30, underscoring just how critical the sector’s concern for balancing security and privacy has become.   Read More
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
News / Online
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
By Mitra Sorrells | March 13, 2024
Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb and Trip.com Group collectively spent $16.8 billion on sales and marketing in 2023 as they compete with one another and with suppliers enticing travelers to book... Read More
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
News / Distribution
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
By D.J. Catron | March 7, 2024
As short-term rentals grapple with new regulations, major events and tourist preferences may help solidify their place in the travel industry.   Read More
STR industry faces new rules in Europe; Airbnb welcomes change
News / Online
STR industry faces new rules in Europe; Airbnb welcomes change
By Morgan Hines | February 29, 2024
The short-term rental industry will have 24 months to comply with new industry regulations to be implemented across Europe. Read More
Peter Kern stepping down, Ariane Gorin to take over as Expedia Group CEO in May
News / Online
Peter Kern stepping down, Ariane Gorin to take over as Expedia Group CEO in May
By Mitra Sorrells and Derek Catron | February 8, 2024
Kern has been Expedia Group's CEO since April 2020. The announcement came during an earnings call in which the company reported its highest ever full-year and fourth quarter revenue. Read More
CEO Spotlight - Peter Kern of Expedia Group
News / Online
CEO Spotlight - Peter Kern of Expedia Group
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2024
In a discussion last week at the ALIS event, Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern covers a range of topics including generative AI, next steps for One Key, customer acquisition strategies, global growth and... Read More
Expedia Group's Julie Whalen talks tech transformation and travel demand
News / Online
Expedia Group's Julie Whalen talks tech transformation and travel demand
By Linda Fox | December 14, 2023
With just over a year as CFO of Expedia Group under her belt, Julie Whalen took to the stage at The Phocuswright Conference 2023 to discuss the company's technology developments, the impact of... Read More
European lawmakers agree on registration system for short-term rental hosts and platforms
News / Distribution
European lawmakers agree on registration system for short-term rental hosts and platforms
By Linda Fox | November 16, 2023
As a first step towards shaking short-term rentals rules across Europe, lawmakers have agreed on draft regulation for a registration system and data sharing. Read More
Expedia Group, Booking on coming together with “one voice” to support short-term rentals
News / Distribution
Expedia Group, Booking on coming together with “one voice” to support short-term rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | November 13, 2023
Expedia Group's Tim Rosolio and Booking.com's Ben Harrell spoke about working together to address regulatory challenges, the benefits that Google provides to the sector and strategies to drive more... Read More
Expedia ad concerns in search results raised in antitrust suit
News / Online
Expedia ad concerns in search results raised in antitrust suit
By Linda Fox | November 3, 2023
Comments from Expedia Group chair Barry Diller have surfaced during the Google antitrust trial. Read More
Expedia’s Kern: Focus is now on faster growth fueled by years of tech work
News / Online
Expedia’s Kern: Focus is now on faster growth fueled by years of tech work
By Mitra Sorrells | November 2, 2023
Expedia Group posted record revenue and profitability in the third quarter of this year and reiterated full year guidance of double-digit topline growth with margin expansion.   Read More
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