New VRBO Onboarding Process (August 2025)
The connection process with VRBO is updated in August 2025 to make it even simpler and smoother. In this article, you'll discover the new onboarding steps, from the initial configuration to the activation of your properties, including how to manage the mapping of your advertisements and bookings. Make sure to follow each phase correctly for a successful integration.
Introduction
The integration of VRBO with Avantio is key to efficiently managing your properties on this popular portal. Starting in August 2025, the onboarding process has been optimized to make it faster and easier. Whether you're starting from scratch or already have experience with VRBO, this article will guide you step by step through the new connection, mapping, and activation process.
1. VRBO Connection Process
To start connecting your properties to VRBO, follow these steps from Channel PRO in Avantio:
Access Channel PRO
Enter Channel PRO from the top tab on the VRMS home screen and select Portals on the left side of the page.
Here you will see all the portals available to connect your properties.Click "Connect" under VRBO
Select Connect under the VRBO logo to start the activation process.Complete the connection process
During the process, you will need to read and accept the relevant information about compatibility, requirements, and agreements with VRBO. It is important that you confirm you have an agreement with VRBO to continue with the connection.General Configuration
In step 4, you can set the default settings for all your properties.
These settings include options like price increase, booking lead time, and more. If you need to make adjustments later, you can do so from the Portals section or individually from Accommodations Activation.
Key details of the general configuration:
Price increase: Increase a percentage over your property's base rate.
Booking lead time: Set the number of days before check-in that guests must make the booking. Remember that VRBO does not allow same-day check-in.
Instant booking: Allows automatic confirmation of bookings. Notify your VRBO account manager if you activate this option, as you will not be able to accept payments by bank transfer.
Display name: Choose the title that will appear on VRBO (for example, gallery title).
Reviews synchronization: Allows you to sync the reviews from your website with VRBO (only those from the last year and published in the VRMS).
Rental agreement: Upload your contract in PDF in all the languages you wish to display.
Cancellation policy: Choose one of VRBO's default options or add your custom conditions.
Custom house rules: Create up to three additional rules that will be sent to VRBO.
2. Type of Incorporation
The next step is to select the type of incorporation that applies to your situation. This will influence how your properties and bookings are mapped:
If you have previously worked with VRBO:
If you connected to VRBO through another channel manager, select the option to map properties and bookings.
If you worked with VRBO directly, select map only the properties.
If you have never worked with VRBO:
Select do not link, as no mapping is required. The properties will be created as new directly from Channel PRO.
Important: The type of incorporation will affect the mapping process of your properties and bookings.
3. Completion of the Connection Process
Once all the steps are completed, the system will show you your Avantio Key (VRBO advertiser ID), which you will need when completing the onboarding form.
Remember that you can always access this key from the portal configuration.
To continue, you must complete the Onboarding document of the Channel. This document is mandatory for all types of connection and must be completed before proceeding with the next steps.
4. Mapping Process
Mapping is the process where your properties and bookings are associated with your VRBO account. Depending on the type of incorporation, mapping can be automatic or manual.
Access Associated Accounts
From the Channels section, select Associated Accounts.
You will see a message informing you that the mapping process will be activated when VRBO has sent the information about your account.Start mapping
If you have already worked with VRBO through another channel manager, you can map the existing properties and bookings by clicking edit.
If you have never worked with VRBO, you can skip this phase and go directly to the accommodations activation page.Map properties and bookings
On the mapping page, you will see the number of existing advertisements that need to be mapped, as well as the current bookings.
Click Associate to link each property with the VRBO account.Send data and activate properties
Once the properties are mapped, click Send data to continue with the activation of your properties.
Important note:
You will only be able to activate your properties once the mapping process is completed. If you wish to connect multiple accounts, map all the properties and bookings of the first account before connecting a second account.
Types of Incorporation: Important Details
Depending on your previous experience with VRBO, the incorporation steps will vary:
Activation of New Property Manager
If you have never worked with VRBO, your properties will be created from scratch in Channel PRO. In this case, you will not have existing bookings to add.Software Change
If you have previously worked with VRBO through another channel manager, you will need to add VRBO as a portal/agent in the existing bookings.Platform Activation to IPM
If you worked directly with VRBO and not through a channel manager, make sure to remove the portal name from your existing bookings in the VRMS before completing the integration.
Important: If you are going to import your bookings instead of adding them manually, make sure to assign the portal name correctly in each booking.
Conclusion
The updated VRBO onboarding process has been designed to simplify and streamline the connection and management of your properties. Follow the steps described, select the appropriate onboarding type, and complete the mapping to activate your properties correctly. With these changes, connecting and managing your VRBO advertisements will be faster and easier than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Avantio Key?
It is the advertiser ID needed to connect your Avantio account with VRBO. This key is generated automatically and is visible in the portal configuration.How many VRBO accounts can I connect?
There is no limit to the number of accounts you can connect to your Avantio account.How do I know which type of onboarding I need?
It will depend on your history with VRBO. If you have worked with them through another channel manager or directly, you will select a different option.How is the mapping of my properties done?
The mapping is done from the Associated Accounts section. If you already have properties in VRBO, associate each property with the corresponding account.
This article provides you with all the necessary information to manage the new VRBO onboarding process in Avantio, ensuring a successful and efficient integration.