Vrbo expands Fast Start program to eliminate cold start problem of rentals

Vrbo, an Expedia Group company, announced today that Fast Start, a program designed to help new properties capture vacation rental demand, has expanded to the UK. The program increases the visibility of new properties in the first 90 days and displays a review score based on reviews from other travel sites. It launched earlier this year in the United States and today marks its global rollout.

Properties eligible for Fast Start are listings with a 4.5+ review rating and have earned more than £2,000 in the last year, or the host is a Superhost. 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 the sort order and will receive personalized support optimizing their listing if they choose. The property does not have to be exclusive to Vrbo.

“Fast Start removes the cold start problem new properties can experience when joining sites, tapping them right into the huge traveller demand our site delivers. It helps new hosts and our current hosts with new listings get on our platform quickly whilst keeping their hard-earned review score. Fast Start is a popular program and we are excited to make it available in Europe and Canada,” said Hari Nair, SVP Account Management, Expedia Group.

Fast Start provides a proven positive impact for properties joining the program. Properties who are part of the program receive:

• 25% increase in bookings;
• 50% increase in booked nights;
• 140% increase in gross booking value1

Kevin Locraft, VP Partner Success, Vacation Rental, Expedia Group added, “Since inception, our data and insights from hosts participating in Fast Start show there are strong positive outcomes not only for the hosts but also for our travelers. For over twenty-five years, it’s been Vrbo’s mission to pair homeowners and property managers with families and friends looking for a place to stay and spend time together. That mission endures just as strong today as it did when we started, and we truly appreciate all of our hosts who are continuing this journey with us, at such a critical time for the travel industry.”