Holiday Homes Website Launches
HomeAway.com to enable travellers to find vacation homes online, signaling the next evolution of onl
JUNE 12.2006. HomeAway.com consolidates five industry sites into the new and HomeAway marketplace. "HomeAway fuses the historically fragmented vacation rental industry," says Brian Sharples, CEO and president of HomeAway, Inc. "Over the last two years, we acquired several leading vacation rental sites around the world and invested in the best technology to integrate all the properties into one site that attracts millions of travelers each year."
The result is HomeAway.com, where travelers can finally visit one place to search more than 60,000 homes across 90 countries to find a barn, bungalow, cabin, castle, chalet, chateau, condo, cottage, house, houseboat, mansion, villa or yurt perfect for their vacation or special event.
HomeAway.com enhances the online travel experience with complete and organized information that includes photos, detailed property descriptions, pricing and booking information. In addition to searching for properties by location and the number of bedrooms, users may also search by activities such as "winter sports," or "beach;" amenities including "swimming pool" or "Internet access," and suitability, which sorts homes convenient for children, pets and the elderly.
"The recent boom in vacation home sales means the supply of and the interest in quality properties has never been greater," says Sharples. "Many travelers, especially families and groups, are choosing vacation rental homes as a more attractive and affordable option to staying in a hotel."
According to a recent HomeAway survey, the top four reasons travelers choose a vacation home are privacy, amenities including fully-equipped kitchens, more space and price. Weekly rates on HomeAway.com range from $200 for a rustic cabin in North Carolina to $45,000 for a lavish estate in Jamaica.
HomeAway anticipates more than 100,000 properties listed on the site by the end of 2006.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
