Online Entrepreneurs Buy Vacation Rentals Marketplace -- Tony Berkman and Angelica Alaniz Purchase Vacation Rentals Unlimited

Vacation Rentals Unlimited (http://www.vrul.com), a previously top-ranked online vacation rental listing marketplace, that connects renters with vacation rental owners, was recently purchased by entrepreneurs Tony Berkman and Angelica Alaniz. The site, which lists thousands of vacation rentals across the United States and the world, reaches hundreds of thousands of people every year.

San Antonio, Texas (PRWEB) July 7, 2009 -- Vacation Rentals Unlimited (http://www.vrul.com), a previously top-ranked online vacation rental site, was recently purchased by entrepreneurs Tony Berkman and Angelica Alaniz. The site, which lists thousands of vacation rentals across the United States and the world, reaches hundreds of thousands of people every year.

For Berkman and Alaniz, best known for developing BlogCatalog.com into the leading social network for bloggers, this is the second time they have partnered to develop a vacation rental listing site. Prior to purchasing BlogCatalog.com in February 2007, Berkman and Alaniz founded, developed, and sold one of the first online vacation rental sites on the Internet.

"Today, the vacation rental online space is clearly one of the most competitive on the Internet," said Berkman. "However, we're convinced that our experience in social media and online community development will provide the industry a badly needed lift in what has become a static experience. Vacation Rentals Unlimited is a perfect site to be redesigned and turned around."

According to Berkman, major changes will be made to Vacation Rentals Unlimited within the next six weeks, including the addition of network features that will allow renters or property management companies to communicate with potential customers, rate and review locations and properties, and develop relationships long after the initial vacation for repeat business.

"This was one of the hardest hit travel and tourism sectors in the recession, but we believe it will be one of the first industries to bounce back as people who put off their vacations will be looking for a better value than hotel chains can offer," said Berkman. "Once the social media components are added into the site, we're certain that this will be an ideal space for renters and property management companies to generate a large volume of repeat visitors and renters who want something more out of their vacation."

Vacation rentals are currently being offered by as much as 60 percent off in highly sought-after vacation markets such as Myrtle Beach, Orlando and the Poconos. Some renters are even offering free tickets to area attractions, discounted boat tours, and free rounds of golf. Berkman said social media features will make such offerings easier for property owners and management companies to offer such incentives during off weeks.

Vacation Rentals Unlimited was originally launched in 2003. Berkman and Alaniz closed on the sale of the site in June.

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