Search position on Vrbo is now something you can buy.
On 1 September 2026, Expedia Group announced its largest ever product launch for Vrbo and Escapia. Vrbo Sponsored Listings are live globally after a pilot with AvantStay, Vacation Rental Collective and Liquid Life Vacation Rentals. The model is pay per booked night, sold as no upfront risk, and it buys premium placement at the top of search results.
Two new flexible cancellation policies went live with it: full refund up to 5 days before check in, or up to 1 day before. Non-refundable rates and Limited Time Offers are coming.
What to check this week
- Decide whether you buy the top slot. If the units around you pay for it and you do not, your listing sits lower by default.
- Price the ad before switching it on. Pay per booked night is a cost on top of the commission you already pay, says Rafael Osborne (Profit Guest Services). Know your net rate first.
- Check which cancellation policy your listings actually show. Flexible sells, and it moves cancellation risk onto you.
Is Vrbo now pay to play? Partly. Visibility has a price, and whoever ignores it pays in position.
This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by Rafael Osborne (Profit Guest Services) before publishing.
