Vrbo has released a new ad featuring Nick Saban, a legendary football coach, as an overbearing vacation rental host. The ad showcases the discomfort of a couple trying to relax in their rental while being micromanaged by Saban. The main message of the ad is that Vrbo offers vacation rentals where guests don’t have to deal with intrusive hosts and can have the place to themselves for a truly relaxing experience. This ad seems to take a dig at Airbnb and their Airbnb Rooms feature, which allows guests to stay in a host’s home for a more affordable and local experience.
Airbnb Rooms, which was launched in 2023, has not been a major success for the company. CEO Brian Chesky noted that it makes up a small percentage of their business and is targeted more towards Gen Z travelers looking for affordable accommodation. While the concept of sharing a space with a host may appeal to some guests, it appears that it has not gained widespread popularity among Airbnb users. Despite this, Airbnb has not made any public comments about the Vrbo ad featuring Nick Saban as an overbearing host.
The Vrbo ad will be aired nationally in the U.S. on TV, starting this weekend. Vrbo is a vacation rental brand owned by Expedia Group, and the ad is part of their marketing strategy to promote their properties as being host-free and ensuring privacy for guests. The ad also highlights Vrbo’s sponsorship of the College Football Playoff, solidifying their presence in the sports world. The campaign will include various advertising initiatives such as out-of-home ads, stadium signage, partnerships, and other activations to reach a wide audience.
Overall, the Vrbo ad featuring Nick Saban as a nightmare vacation rental host sends a clear message to guests that Vrbo offers vacation rentals where they can have the place to themselves without having to deal with intrusive hosts. By contrasting this with the concept of Airbnb Rooms, which allows guests to stay in a host’s home, the ad positions Vrbo as a more appealing option for travelers looking for privacy and relaxation. With the ad set to air nationally in the U.S. and the inclusion of Vrbo’s sponsorship of the College Football Playoff, the campaign is sure to generate attention and drive interest in Vrbo’s vacation rental offerings.
