Vrbo

Vrbo, short for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is an online marketplace for vacation rentals owned by Expedia Group. It connects homeowners with travelers seeking short-term rentals and was founded in 1995.

CCI Score

-6.82

0.01% April 16

Latest Event

Vrbo Increases Lobbying Against Local Rental Restrictions

In the first half of 2024, as reported by Reuters via Yahoo Finance, Vrbo—part of the Expedia Group—joined other vacation rental operators in significantly increasing lobbying expenditures to influence U.S. lawmakers. The goal is to prevent cities from enacting tighter restrictions on short-term rentals, a move that critics argue sidelines community housing concerns and benefits corporate profits over public welfare.

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COLLABORATOR

Vrbo is currently rated as a Collaborator.

-5 to -9 CCI Score

In this category, companies align with authoritarian practices mainly to avoid trouble or regulatory conflict. Their compliance is driven by self-preservation, resulting in minimal resistance even as they participate in oppressive systems.

Latest Events

JUN

30

2024

Vrbo Increases Lobbying Against Local Rental Restrictions
-64.61

In the first half of 2024, as reported by Reuters via Yahoo Finance, Vrbo—part of the Expedia Group—joined other vacation rental operators in significantly increasing lobbying expenditures to influence U.S. lawmakers. The goal is to prevent cities from enacting tighter restrictions on short-term rentals, a move that critics argue sidelines community housing concerns and benefits corporate profits over public welfare.
-70

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 2

The article details increased lobbying efforts by the vacation rental industry, including Vrbo, aimed at influencing regulatory decisions to preempt local restrictions on short-term rentals. This strategic political engagement prioritizes corporate profit at the expense of community interests and housing affordability, echoing a broader trend where corporate lobbying is used to undermine transparent policymaking. Such actions can perpetuate oligarchic influence over public policy and reflect complicity in anti-democratic practices.

Vacation rental industry steps up lobbying in the face of stiffer regulation
APR

18

2023

Vrbo Engages in Industry Political Lobbying Discussion
-38.87

At the RR Summit Spring 2023 event, industry leaders discussed fundraising, lobbying, and political engagement to protect short‐term rental interests. Noah Stewart, senior public affairs specialist for Expedia Group/Vrbo, participated in this panel discussion, outlining strategies for engaging with local policymakers and forming political action committees.
-50

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

April 2

The event highlighted active lobbying efforts and fundraising for advocacy purposes. Vrbo’s representative discussed strategies aligning with corporate political contributions that prioritize industry interests. Such political engagement, while strategically aimed at protecting business operations, can contribute to the undue influence of corporate money in public policy, a concern from an anti‐fascist perspective.

Unlock Your Impact: Fundraising, Lobbying and Political Engagement
-45

Executive Political Engagement

April 2

Noah Stewart's role as a senior public affairs specialist engaging in direct political discussions reflects an active executive involvement in the political process. While on one hand this denotes corporate responsiveness, it also signals an alignment with industry lobbying efforts that may undermine broader democratic accountability.

Unlock Your Impact: Fundraising, Lobbying and Political Engagement
FEB

12

2023

Vrbo Deploys Anti-Party House Technology Ahead of Super Bowl
28.14

Ahead of Super Bowl LVII, Vrbo has pilot tested and deployed a new technology in Phoenix that generates risk scores for bookings, preventing 500 unauthorized party house bookings and saving hosts an estimated $2.5 million in damages. The system notifies hosts of high-risk reservations and emails potential guests about Vrbo's policies on disruptive gatherings.
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

Vrbo's proactive measure to prevent disruptive party houses by implementing a risk-based booking system demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices. This policy safeguards host properties and enhances community responsibility by reducing potential public disturbances.

Ahead of Super Bowl 2023, Vrbo Fights Back Against Party House Bookings
+40

Technology and Services Impact

April 2

The deployment of a sophisticated risk assessment technology that evaluates booking details (such as lead time, length of stay, and guest count) reflects a positive use of tech innovation. This approach not only mitigates potential damages but also reinforces community integrity by preventing misuse of rental properties.

Ahead of Super Bowl 2023, Vrbo Fights Back Against Party House Bookings
JAN

30

2023

Vrbo Deploys Prevention Technology for Unauthorized Parties
48.06

On January 30, 2023, Vrbo announced the national rollout of a new technology designed to identify bookings at high risk for unauthorized, disruptive party events. The system, which generates a risk score based on multiple booking factors and alerts both hosts and guests, was piloted successfully in the Phoenix area and is part of a broader set of community and host-education initiatives.
+60

Technology and Services Impact

April 2

Vrbo’s new technology proactively identifies high-risk bookings to prevent unauthorized party house events, thereby protecting hosts and local communities from potential disruptions and damages. This move not only leverages technology ethically in service of public safety but also underscores the company’s commitment to responsible business practices and community integrity.

Vrbo Launches New Technology to Prevent Party House Bookings