We are deepening our commitment to diversity and inclusion

As holiday rental owners in the travel industry, you’re in the unique position of letting people across the world experience new cultures, landscapes and ideas. 

We believe that travel can expand people’s world views, and that this opportunity should be available to all.

We don’t tolerate discrimination of any kind. Our holiday rental policies have always reflected our commitment to an unbiased marketplace. All property managers, owners and travellers are required to follow the principles of our inclusion statement: 

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE. LEAVES NO ROOM FOR HATE.

If you mistreat people, there’s no space for you on our platform. 

Everyone deserves to be where kindness rules.

As part of our continued efforts to foster inclusion and diversity, Expedia Group has joined hundreds of other companies in signing the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge. 

Alongside 1000+ companies, we pledge to:  

• Continue to make our workplaces trusting places to have complex, and sometimes difficult, conversations about diversity and inclusion
• Implement and expand unconscious bias education 
• Share best—and unsuccessful—practices

Here are some more best practices to follow that can ensure that everyone feels welcome at your holiday rental. 

• Know our policies
  • Understand our guidelines for discrimination, harassment and inclusion.
  • Read about our policy on service animals in the United States .
• On your listings
  • Emphasise on your listing that all people and groups are welcome. For example, you may say ‘LGBTQIA travellers welcome’
  • We do not permit photos or content that discriminates or is designed to dissuade certain groups from participating in our marketplace.
  • Include enough photos and a virtual tour so that travellers can get a good idea of whether your space fits their physical and social needs.
• Managing your business
  • Turn on Instant Booking: Many travellers who use Instant Booking appreciate being able to book a listing without encountering potential discrimination based on things such as their name or country of origin.
  • Use the same standard for each traveller when accepting and reviewing them. If you’re not using Instant Booking, consider creating a list of standards that you use to review each traveller so that you’re consistent and fair for everyone.
  • Learn about universal design and creating an environment that gives people flexibility and choices.
  • If you witness discrimination, report it to customer service.
  • Connect with your neighbours: Ensure that your neighbours know that visitors from around the world will be visiting your property. Make sure that neighbours have a phone number for you or the property manager, so they can address things such as noise complaints or where the car is parked with you to avoid unnecessary calls to authorities.
  • Keep all guest conversations secure. We recommend keeping conversations on our site so that we can assist with any reported misconduct on both sides of the marketplace.

Travel has the power to expand perspectives and enrich lives. We believe that it’s our responsibility to help make these opportunities available to everyone by making impactful changes in our industry. Watch this space for updates on our progress towards making diversity and inclusion a reality in our workplaces, marketplaces and communities.

Want to know more about how we’re taking action as a company? Read our Expedia Group commits to creating lasting change blog post.