I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality with deep roots in the travel and tourism industry. Her extensive experience and passion for innovation also make her a prominent voice in entertainment and events, often speaking at major expos and conferences. Today, we’re diving into the latest updates from Expedia Group on their vacation rental marketplace, including enhancements to the Vrbo brand, new tech features for travelers and hosts, and strategies to boost visibility and trust in the industry. Katarina offers a unique perspective on how these changes are shaping the future of vacation rentals.
What can you share about the EXPLORE Connect: Vacation Rentals event where Expedia Group unveiled their latest updates?
I’m glad to talk about that. The event was a fantastic gathering in Austin, designed to bring together hundreds of partners in the vacation rental space to discuss Expedia Group’s vision and strategy. It was all about collaboration—sharing insights on how to grow demand for hosts while improving the traveler experience. The energy was incredible, with so many stakeholders exchanging ideas and feedback on the new tools and features being rolled out.
What was the primary focus of bringing all these partners together at the event?
The main goal was to align everyone on the future of vacation rentals within Expedia Group’s ecosystem. They wanted to showcase how their investments in technology and distribution are driving value for hosts and travelers alike. It was also a chance to hear directly from partners about their challenges and needs, ensuring the updates truly address real-world pain points.
How is Expedia Group addressing travelers’ expectations for quality and reliability in vacation rentals?
They’re tackling this on multiple fronts. The emphasis is on creating a seamless journey, from the moment someone books to the end of their stay. This means refining the technology behind bookings to make them smoother and more transparent, as well as setting higher standards for hosts to ensure guests have consistently great experiences. It’s about building trust at every touchpoint.
Can you elaborate on the specific improvements being made to the booking process for vacation rentals?
Absolutely. Expedia Group is rolling out features like AI-powered tools that leverage guest reviews to help travelers make informed decisions. These tools analyze feedback to highlight what makes a property stand out, reducing uncertainty. They’re also enhancing search functionalities across their platforms to ensure vacation rentals are easy to find and book with confidence.
What steps are being taken to ensure the stay itself lives up to travelers’ expectations?
A big part of this is reinforcing host accountability through programs like Vrbo’s Premier Host initiative. By setting clear benchmarks for quality—like high acceptance rates and stellar review scores—they’re incentivizing hosts to maintain top-notch properties and service. Plus, they’re offering support and resources to help hosts meet these standards, which ultimately benefits guests with better stays.
Let’s dive into the expansion of Vrbo’s distribution through Expedia Group’s global brands and B2B network. How does this work?
It’s a game-changer for visibility. Vrbo properties are now being gradually integrated into Expedia Group’s massive B2B network, alongside their well-known consumer brands. This means vacation rentals are accessible to a much broader audience through various channels, including corporate partners and travel agents, amplifying exposure for hosts in ways that weren’t possible before.
How does this distribution through the B2B network benefit vacation rental hosts?
It opens up entirely new markets. With access to 70,000 businesses and over 160,000 travel agents, hosts can tap into demand from corporate travelers, loyalty program members, and more. This kind of reach—through partnerships with major players like Delta and Alaska Airlines—means more bookings and a diverse guest base, which is a huge win for property owners.
Turning to the Expedia platform itself, what are some of the new features for vacation rentals?
Expedia has introduced some smart updates to make vacation rentals more discoverable. One standout is a new tab-view filter that lets users easily toggle between hotels and vacation rentals during their search. They’ve also launched a fall advertising campaign to spotlight these properties, ensuring travelers think of vacation rentals as a top option when planning trips.
Can you tell us more about the updates to Vrbo’s Premier Host program coming in early 2026?
Sure, this is a significant shift. Vrbo is moving from recognizing hosts at a general level to focusing on individual listings for Premier Host status. The new criteria are pretty rigorous—think a 99% acceptance rate, zero cancellations, and a minimum 4.6 review rating. The idea is to highlight specific properties that deliver exceptional experiences, giving travelers even more confidence in their choices.
Why do you think this move to individual listing-level recognition is important for the industry?
It’s a more granular approach that reflects the reality of guest experiences. Not every property a host manages might be at the same level of quality, so focusing on individual listings ensures the recognition is tied directly to performance. It pushes hosts to maintain high standards across their portfolio and rewards those who go above and beyond with greater visibility on the platform.
How are these changes to the Premier Host program supporting hosts who aim to meet these high standards?
Expedia Group isn’t just raising the bar—they’re providing tools and guidance to help hosts get there. Whether it’s through data insights, best practices, or personalized support, they’re committed to helping hosts improve their listings. For those who qualify, the benefits include better placement in search results, which can drive more bookings. It’s a partnership approach to elevate the entire marketplace.
What’s your take on the idea that great hosting is the standard for Vrbo, as emphasized in these updates?
I think it’s spot-on. Hospitality is at the heart of vacation rentals—guests want to feel welcomed and cared for, just like they would in a top-tier hotel. By making excellence the baseline, Vrbo is setting itself apart as a trusted platform. It’s not just about listings; it’s about creating memorable stays through outstanding service, and these updates reinforce that commitment.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the future of vacation rental marketplaces like Vrbo in the next few years?
I’m optimistic. With technology like AI continuing to personalize the travel experience and distribution networks expanding, platforms like Vrbo are poised to capture even more of the travel market. I expect we’ll see tighter integration between vacation rentals and other travel services, making them a seamless part of broader trip planning. Plus, as trust and quality become non-negotiable for travelers, marketplaces that prioritize host excellence and guest satisfaction will lead the way. It’s an exciting time for the industry.
