Skift Take
Vrbo is reiterating the message that the traveler's experience is key to building demand and a strong business.
Vrbo wants to protect consumers better by levying penalties on hosts who cancel reservations and raising eligibility standards for "premier hosts."
Starting in October, Vrbo said, hosts in the U.S. will face cancellation fees determined by the total booking cost and the timing of the cancellation.
If the host cancels a booking 48 hours before the stay, they will be charged 50% of gross booking value — that’s the most harsh penalty. If it is canceled between 30 days to 48 hours prior, the penalty is 25%; prior to 30 days, the penalty is 10% with a minimum of $50.
Hosts can get a waiver for unavoidable cancellations, such as those attributable to natural disasters. Vrbo confirmed that, for now, only hosts in the U.S. will face the penalties.
“Ultim