Times are a changing!
In a powerful move toward a more inclusive travel future, Expedia Group, through its short-term rental platform Vrbo, has partnered with Raleigh-based Becoming rentABLE, the only platform dedicated to listing accessible short-term rentals (STRs). Together, they’re addressing one of the travel industry’s most underserved—and undervalued—markets: travelers with disabilities.
Historically, the short-term rental (STR) industry has given limited attention to accessibility. Now, with Expedia’s global reach and Becoming rentABLE’s commitment to inclusive lodging, more STR hosts are being introduced to amenities designed for travelers with autism, as well as cognitive, neurological, sensory, hearing, deaf, mobility, and vision needs. This initiative is more than a milestone—it’s a game changer for the travel industry.
This launch goes beyond simply adding filters to a website or offering better marketing advice to property owners. It’s about redefining what accessibility in travel truly looks like.
The partnership with Vrbo brings education to the forefront, aiming to improve accessibility options and directly address a longstanding gap in the lodging industry. Many travelers with disabilities face significant challenges when searching for accommodations that meet their specific needs.
Through this educational effort, content has been created for property hosts to emphasize the importance of providing detailed and accurate descriptions of accessibility features in their listings. This helps ensure that travelers can make informed decisions based on their individual requirements.
This initiative represents a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and accessible travel ecosystem. It’s a powerful move toward a world where accessible short-term rentals are the norm—not the exception.
Accessible Romania by Sano Touring and Josh Grisdale3 Comments
Amazing! Congratulations 🎉
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@joshgrisdale Thanks Josh. I am crossing my fingers that this partnership will help to redefine what accessibility in lodging means. Am am thankful that the Vrbo “More Accessible, More Stays” infographic, featured on the Vrbo website, visually represents a diverse range of disabilities—including an amputee, a guide dog user, a person who is blind using a cane, a youth using a wheelchair, and seniors using either a walker or a wheelchair. The infographic also highlights 50 specific accessibility features found in short-term rental (STR) properties.
Best of all is that these enhancements are designed to make the platform more inclusive and user-friendly—ensuring that all travelers can find accommodations that truly meet their individual needs.
