The vacation rental market is growing, and with it, platforms like Vrbo are constantly innovating to simplify and improve the experience for hosts. One such option is the Vrbo One Key Program. It’s a rewards and management program changing how short-term rental hosts attract guests, streamline their operations, and boost occupancy rates. This blog post walks you through the basics of the Vrbo One Key program and what you need to know to get started today.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
What is the Vrbo One Key program?
At its core, the Vrbo One Key Program is a travel rewards program created by Expedia Group. It enables guests and hosts to earn and redeem travel points through bookings across Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, and other affiliated platforms.
Like loyalty programs in traditional hospitality, such as airlines or hotels, the One Key Program focuses on providing value, flexibility, and convenience to travelers and hosts alike. For hosts, the program offers tools to streamline operations, improve guest engagement, and increase bookings by attracting “One Key” members looking for preferred stays and perks.
- More visibility on Vrbo and the connected Expedia platforms.
- You’ll have the ability to access a high-value audience who are eager to book and become regular guests
- Guests love OneKeyCash™, and you can highlight this as a perk for booking with us.
Note that the One Key Program will not work for listings connected to a property management system. We expect this technical difficulty to change in the future. Note that the program is currently only available in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Key reasons why the One Key program matters:
- Attract Repeat Guests: Guests who are part of the One Key rewards system are incentivized to return to participating properties to maximize their earning power.
- Integrate Rewards: These rewards cover multiple trip elements, from lodging, transportation, and experiences to guests bundling their trips for savings.
- Guest Confidence: You benefit from Vrbo’s reputation for quality, which makes travelers more likely to book through affiliated hosts.
How the Vrbo One Key program works
The One Key Program offers OneKeyCash™, a form of digital cashback that travelers can earn and redeem across participating brands, including Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Guest Earns OneKeyCash™: With every booking made through Vrbo or any other vacation rental platform partners, guests earn a percentage of their purchase amount in OneKeyCash™. This digital currency can then offset costs for future stays or travel expenses.
Hosts Gain Visibility: Properties that integrate into the program may see increased visibility as travelers filter searches to find homes participating in loyalty programs. You’ll benefit from exposure on partner platforms like Expedia and Hotels.com.
No Strings Attached: The program is designed to be easy for both parties, with no complications or additional steps required for hosts to participate (other than registering through Vrbo).
Why the Vrbo One Key program?
The Vrbo One Key program can be a great help for hosts. Here are some reasons why:
- It can increase your occupancy rates. Your listing will appear higher in search results, and therefore more eyes will get on your property. The more eyes you have, the more likely you’ll get bookings.
- The One Key program has historically been a great place to build relationships with guests. These guests leave reviews and will increase your chances of repeat bookings with them.
Tips
Consider the following to get the most value out of your Vrbo One Key partnership:
- Always list your property on more than one platform. With this program, you can leverage the entire Expedia network, which includes sites like Expedia.com and Hotels.com.
- Let guests know about benefits they can take advantage of themselves, like earning OneKeyCash™.
- Always pay attention to how your property is performing. Reply to every review from a guest, even if it’s a negative review. Responding to reviews shows future guests that you genuinely care about their experience.
- Pay attention to how seasonality affects your property. For example, you want to adjust prices for high and low season.
Final thoughts
The Vrbo One Key program is yet another small way to elevate your listing and make it a preferred option for travelers. When you integrate your property with this program, it’s yet another way you can make your home stand out (and thrive!).
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
