PRWeek revealed last month that the search for an agency for a national brief was underway, after Freud Communications' two-year global relationship with HomeAway ended.
HomeAway, which also works with 360PR+ in the US, was acquired by travel giant Expedia last year. It has recently bulked up its in-house PR team. Fellow Expedia brand Hotels.com is also undertaking an EMEA-wide review of its PR needs.
Hotwire's work on the account began earlier this month. PRWeek understands eight agencies were asked to pitch for the brief, and that Freuds was not among them.
A spokeswoman for HomeAway said: "We are looking forward to partnering with the Hotwire London team to raise awareness of the HomeAway brands in the UK, our quality property offerings, and the benefits of staying in 'whole home' holiday rentals.
"The team has hit the ground running and is working on getting the word out about our newly released Science of Memories study in which the results can help travellers plan a more memorable holiday."
Exciting new research from @homeaway shares the science behind memorable vacations. Video w/ tips from @abmarkman: https://t.co/VihgTNurcr
— Gretel Perera (@gretelperera) November 16, 2016
Hotwire, which was described by Australian parent firm as showing "above average margin achievement" in its annual results, declined to comment.
