Vrbo Adds AI Natural-Language Search and a Reserve Now, Pay Later Option

Vrbo's latest additions show how Expedia Group is pushing AI into the vacation-rental booking flow, and the deferred-payment option may matter most for hosts who rely on large group bookings.

Expedia Group has expanded its use of artificial intelligence across Vrbo as part of its autumn product release, which includes more than 30 additions across Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com.

What's new on Vrbo

• Natural language search. Travellers can describe the rental they want in their own words, for example a beachfront property with a well-equipped kitchen and outdoor gathering space. The tool can also explain why a home matches. It is available on Vrbo's US English website and app.
• AI voice assistant. The assistant handles common support requests. Calls can be passed to a human agent with the conversation history retained.
• Reserve Now, Pay Later. Due to launch on eligible properties. Guests confirm a booking with no payment at booking, provide a payment card, and pay the full cost closer to the stay. Expedia Group says this gives group organisers more time to confirm attendees and collect contributions.
• Arrival experience. Check-in information, access codes, directions and house rules are consolidated in one section of the platform.

Across Expedia Group

Expedia added a conversational activity planner and a Property Expert tool that answers questions from listing information, guest reviews and reservation details. Hotels.com expanded its AI comparison tool, which offers plain-language summaries of shortlisted properties and follow-up questions.

Shilpa Ranganathan, Expedia Group's chief product officer, said: "We're building AI-powered experiences across our brands that help travellers make informed decisions."