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US: Expedia Group has expanded its use of artificial intelligence across Vrbo, introducing natural-language property search and an AI voice assistant alongside a forthcoming deferred-payment option.
Vrbo’s Natural Language Search allows travellers to describe the type of vacation rental they need in their own words instead of relying only on conventional filters.
The technology is designed to understand more detailed group requirements, such as requests for a beachfront property with a well-equipped kitchen and outdoor gathering space. It can also explain why particular homes match the search.
Natural-language search is available through Vrbo’s US English website and app experience.
Vrbo has also introduced an AI-powered voice assistant capable of responding to common support requests. Calls can be transferred to a human agent with the conversation history retained, reducing the need for travellers to repeat information.
A Reserve Now, Pay Later option is due to launch on eligible properties, allowing guests to confirm a reservation with no payment taken at the time of booking. Travellers must provide a payment card and will pay the full cost closer to the stay.
Expedia Group said the option would give group organisers more time to confirm attendees and collect contributions towards the booking.
Vrbo’s updated arrival experience will also bring check-in information, access codes, directions and house rules together within one section of the platform.
The features form part of Expedia Group’s autumn product release, which includes more than 30 additions across Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com.
Expedia has introduced a conversational activity planner that recommends bookable activities based on the traveller’s itinerary and preferences. Its Property Expert tool answers questions using listing information, guest reviews and reservation details.
Hotels.com has expanded its AI comparison tool, allowing travellers to compare shortlisted properties through plain-language summaries and ask follow-up questions about their options.
Shilpa Ranganathan, chief product officer at Expedia Group, said: “We’re building AI-powered experiences across our brands that help travellers make informed decisions, give them flexibility and value and personalise every step of their trip.”
The Vrbo launch follows wider investment by major accommodation platforms in conversational search, which could change how vacation rentals are discovered by moving beyond fixed filters towards more detailed descriptions of guest needs.
Highlights
- Vrbo has launched natural-language vacation rental search.
- Travellers can describe detailed property and group requirements in their own words.
- The search tool is available through Vrbo’s US English website and app.
- Vrbo has added an AI voice assistant with transfers to human support.
- Reserve Now, Pay Later will allow eligible homes to be booked with no upfront payment.
- Vrbo has also consolidated key arrival information within its platform.
- The changes form part of more than 30 Expedia Group product updates.
