HomeAway Launches Online Booking

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- HomeAway, Inc. (NASDAQ: AWAY), the world's leading online marketplace of vacation rentals, today announces the launch of online booking, a new service on HomeAway.com and VRBO.com that enables travelers to enjoy the convenience of securing a vacation home rental online with a credit card.

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Online booking provides vacation rental home owners a faster way to confirm bookings and satisfies the growing traveler demand for a familiar, secure online booking experience.

By selecting "Book It" travelers immediately send a paid reservation request directly to the homeowner. However, the traveler is not charged until the owner confirms the reservation, which they have up to 24 hours to do. The review period was built into the process to allow time for the owner to communicate with the traveler, if need be. Communication between the owner and their prospective guest is a critical part of booking a vacation rental, and it's a step the majority of travelers (70 percent) really enjoy, according to HomeAway® research.    

"This is a big step forward for the company," says Brian Sharples, chief executive officer of HomeAway.  "As owners adopt this service, it will ensure more accurate availability calendars, encourage quicker owner response and, overall, create a much better and more efficient experience for travelers."

About HomeAway, Inc.

HomeAway, Inc., based in Austin, Texas, is the world's leading online marketplace of vacation rentals, with sites representing approximately 735,000 paid vacation rental home listings throughout 168 countries. HomeAway® offers an extensive selection of vacation homes that provide travelers with memorable experiences and benefits, especially more room to relax, for less than the cost of traditional hotel accommodations. The company also makes it easy for vacation rental owners and property managers to advertise their properties and manage bookings online. The HomeAway portfolio of websites includes HomeAway.com, VRBO.com and VacationRentals.com in the United States; HomeAway.co.uk and OwnersDirect.co.uk in the United Kingdom; HomeAway.de in Germany; Abritel.fr and Homelidays.com in France; HomeAway.es and Toprural.com in Spain; AlugueTemporada.com.br in Brazil; and HomeAway.com.au in Australia.

In addition, HomeAway operates BedandBreakfast.com, the most comprehensive global site for finding bed-and-breakfast properties, providing travelers with another source for unique lodging alternatives to chain hotels. For more information about HomeAway, please visit www.HomeAway.com.

For information contact:
Jaime Dito
Public Relations Manager
HomeAway, Inc.
512-505-1563
[email protected]

SOURCE HomeAway, Inc.