VRBO and HOMEAWAY Virtual Tours
How Vrbo & HomeAway 360 Virtual Tours Can Skyrocket Your Bookings
Introduction
Ever wonder why some vacation rentals on Vrbo just pop while others fade into the background? Spoiler alert: it's not just the hot tub or the ocean view. It's the experience—and nothing screams experience like a 360 virtual tour. We're no longer in the era of grainy photos and vague room descriptions. Today, travelers want to walk through your property virtually before they book. Welcome to the future of vacation rental marketing.
What Are 360 Virtual Tours?
Breaking Down the Technology
A 360 virtual tour is a fully immersive, panoramic visual experience that allows viewers to explore a space as if they were physically there. It uses multiple images stitched together to create a seamless “walk-through” experience.
Difference Between 360 Tours and Traditional Photos/Videos
Traditional photos show one angle. Videos show a guided path. A 360 tour? It hands the controls to the viewer. They can look around, click, and move freely—like Google Street View but for your cozy chalet or downtown loft.
Vrbo & HomeAway’s 360 Tour Feature
What Is It?
Vrbo and HomeAway now support interactive 360 virtual tours directly in listings. Instead of just scrolling through a photo gallery, potential guests can explore each room in 3D.
How It Works With Matterport
Matterport is the gold standard for creating these tours. Once you capture your space with Matterport and publish it, you can integrate it right into your Vrbo listing. Visitors on the platform get a hands-on, immersive experience with just a click.
Benefits of Using 360 Virtual Tours for Vacation Rentals
Boosting Engagement and Interest
Listings with 360 tours get up to 300% more engagement. Why? Because people love exploring. They spend more time on your listing, which increases the chances they’ll hit “Book Now.”
Reducing Unnecessary Inquiries
Answering the same questions over and over? “What does the kitchen look like?” “Is there a closet in the bedroom?” A 360 tour answers these visually, saving you time.
Increasing Trust and Transparency
No one likes surprises when they check in. A 360 tour shows it all—good and bad—so there’s no ambiguity. Trust leads to better reviews and repeat bookings.
Standing Out in Search Results
Vrbo rewards better listings. Properties with virtual tours are often prioritized in search results, giving you a competitive edge.
How Matterport Integrates With Vrbo
Uploading Your Virtual Tour
Once you’ve got your Matterport model, it's a simple process to upload and embed the tour into your Vrbo dashboard. The platform guides you through the process seamlessly.
What Guests See on Your Listing
They’ll see a button labeled “360 Virtual Tour” right on your gallery. One click and they’re inside your space, virtually strolling through the bedrooms, kitchen, and that cozy reading nook.
Case Study: Before and After Adding a 360 Tour
A property in Gatineau went from 2 bookings a month to 7 after adding a 360 tour. Guests commented they "felt like they were already on vacation just by looking at the tour." That’s the power of immersive content.
How NVISION 3D Helps Property Owners in Ottawa & Gatineau
Professional Photography Tailored for Vrbo
NVISION 3D doesn’t just take pretty pictures. We craft visual experiences that sell. Our work is designed specifically for vacation rental platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb.
Creating Stunning 360 Tours with Matterport
Using industry-leading Matterport cameras and techniques, we capture every square foot of your property in high resolution and immersive detail.
Local Expertise and Fast Turnaround
Based in Ottawa & Gatineau, NVISION 3D offers fast, reliable service with deep knowledge of the local rental market. We get your content live—fast.
Tips to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your 360 Virtual Tour
Stage Your Property Like a Pro
Clean, declutter, and make it Insta-worthy. Think neutral decor, cozy touches, and a lived-in but polished vibe.
Use Natural Lighting
Schedule your shoot when sunlight floods your space. Natural light makes your home feel bigger and more inviting.
Highlight Key Features Guests Love
Hot tub? Show it. Fireplace? Highlight it. That secret garden patio? Make it a star.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Poor Camera Angles
Don’t skimp on composition. Crooked shots or weird angles can make your space look smaller or confusing.
Outdated or Incomplete Tours
Make sure your 360 tour reflects your current setup. Changed the furniture or painted a wall? Update the tour.
Pricing: Is It Worth the Investment?
Cost vs ROI
Yes, a Matterport tour costs money—but if it helps you land even one extra booking, it usually pays for itself.
Short-term vs Long-term Benefits
Think long game. A high-quality 360 tour is a one-time investment that keeps converting for months, even years.
How to Get Started with NVISION 3D
Booking a Session
Just contact us through NVISION3D.ca. We’ll schedule a convenient time and guide you through prep.
What to Expect on Shoot Day
We handle everything. Just make sure your space is photo-ready. The shoot usually takes 1–2 hours.
Delivery Timeline
We deliver your finished tour within 48–72 hours, ready to upload to Vrbo or anywhere else you list.
The Future of Virtual Tours in Vacation Rentals
AI, VR, and Beyond
We’re heading toward full virtual reality booking experiences. Imagine walking through a cabin with a VR headset from your couch.
Where Vrbo Is Heading
Expect tighter integration with immersive content, 3D floor plans, and even AI-powered guest matching based on preferences.
Final Thoughts
360 virtual tours are no longer a luxury, they’re a necessity. If you're serious about increasing your bookings, reducing friction, and creating a killer first impression, it’s time to level up. Let your space speak for itself. And with NVISION 3D by your side, you can trust that it will speak loud and clear.
FAQs
Can I use a 360 virtual tour on other platforms too?
Absolutely. Airbnb, Google Street View, your own website, you name it.
How long does it take to create a 360 tour?
The shoot takes 30 to 90 minutes, and you’ll have the final product in within 24 hours.
Is a 360 tour better than video?
They serve different purposes, but 360 tours give users more control, which boosts engagement.
How do I hire NVISION 3D?
Visit NVISION3D.ca, shoot us a message, and we’ll get you started in no time.
