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.

Expedia Group expands Meta partnership amid push to connect social, booking
News / Technology
Expedia Group expands Meta partnership amid push to connect social, booking
By Morgan Hines | May 19, 2026
 The expanded collaboration follows the recent news that Expedia is a partner with TikTok for its new in-app booking, a sign of the OTA's focus on growing its B2B distribution strategy. Read More
Expedia Group hits record Q1 profitability amid AI overhaul
News / Finance
Expedia Group hits record Q1 profitability amid AI overhaul
By Morgan Hines | May 7, 2026
CEO Ariane Gorin shared concrete examples of how AI has driven performance across the business. Read More
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
News / Technology
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
By Morgan Hines | April 29, 2026
Uber is pushing to become a super app as it expands to offer hotels, voice booking and more. Read More
The short-term rental platforms rolling out alternative business models
News / Distribution
The short-term rental platforms rolling out alternative business models
By Matthew Parsons | April 28, 2026
Short-term rental platforms are reviving subscription models as hosts seek lower distribution costs and more control over bookings.  Read More
Expedia CFO on what's driving ‘radical’ shift at travel giant
News / Online
Expedia CFO on what's driving ‘radical’ shift at travel giant
By Morgan Hines | March 5, 2026
CFO Scott Schenkel detailed how Expedia Group is optimizing operations to maximize efficiency and results. Read More
Vrbo partners with WeatherPromise to add weather-guarantee option
News / Online
Vrbo partners with WeatherPromise to add weather-guarantee option
By Abby Crotty | February 18, 2026
U.S. travelers will now see the option to add protection to “select reservations” through Vrbo. Read More
Expedia Group sees double-digit growth in revenue, gross bookings as AI push continues
News / Technology
Expedia Group sees double-digit growth in revenue, gross bookings as AI push continues
By Abby Crotty | February 12, 2026
Revenue was up 11% year over year to $3.5 billion, while total gross bookings were up 11% to $27 billion in Q4 2025. Read More
Expedia's Ariane Gorin on AI visibility, traveler experience and activities growth
News / Online
Expedia's Ariane Gorin on AI visibility, traveler experience and activities growth
By Linda Fox | January 29, 2026
Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin says she is especially proud of how the OTA has been "going after AI" in recent years. Read More
Expedia Group cuts jobs, adds roles in reorganization
News / Online
Expedia Group cuts jobs, adds roles in reorganization
By Morgan Hines | January 27, 2026
The company said it is simplifying its structure and reducing organizational layers. Read More
Key travel trends shaping destinations, experiences and stays
From Our Partners / Online
Key travel trends shaping destinations, experiences and stays
By PhocusWire | January 20, 2026
From pop culture-inspired travel and sports tourism to growing interest in flexible stays and multi-property trips, the signals point to a more intentional and experience-led approach to travel in the... Read More
Beyond the software: Why support defines success in vacation rentals
From Our Partners / Technology
Beyond the software: Why support defines success in vacation rentals
By Tim Rosolio - Expedia Group | January 5, 2026
Software providers support property managers to streamline workflows and reduce manual errors, allowing managers to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining impeccable owner... Read More
Expedia Group outlines strategies for OpenAI partnership, highlights B2B strength
News / Online
Expedia Group outlines strategies for OpenAI partnership, highlights B2B strength
By Abby Crotty | November 6, 2025
When asked about Expedia Group’s strategic approach to its OpenAI partnership, CEO Ariane Gorin said the company has two main priorities. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Vrbo, IBS Software, TourRadar and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Vrbo, IBS Software, TourRadar and more...
By PhocusWire | October 31, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
60% of U.S. property managers predict revenue growth amid ongoing challenges
News / Online
60% of U.S. property managers predict revenue growth amid ongoing challenges
By Abby Crotty | October 24, 2025
With competition already tough and set to become even more intense in 2026, revenue is top of mind for STRs. Read More
The five developments driving the evolution of U.S. OTAs
News / Online
The five developments driving the evolution of U.S. OTAs
By Phocuswright Research | October 13, 2025
Amid cooling domestic demand, U.S. OTAs are adapting to a more competitive and uncertain landscape. Read More
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