Airbnbs in Ukraine saw a rapid increase in the number of bookings from other countries. But, those booking these properties have no intentions to stay. By booking the Airbnbs, they are trying to help the Ukrainian civilians gripped by the war crisis. Maximum bookings of these properties happened from the US, followed by UK and Canada. Airbnb received a booking of over $1.9M in Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. To support the heartwarming gesture of these supporters, Airbnb waived off the guest and host fees too for all these bookings.
We can confirm we are waiving all guest and Host fees on all bookings in Ukraine at this time. https://t.co/WCQEFGIlXC
— Airbnb Help (@AirbnbHelp) March 3, 2022
People Are Booking Airbnbs To Support Ukraine
The initiative to support Ukrainians through Airbnb bookings started after Instagram user Quentin Quarantino posted the idea. Soon after, a lot of support poured in from other nations and people also left messages for the hosts. After booking nights in these Airbnbs, many also confirmed the same on social media. Airbnb CEO stated that Ukrainian properties received bookings of 61, 406 nights in just a span of 48 hours. He added that $1.9M went to the hosts for assistance.
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View this post on Instagram
Taking to Instagram, Airbnb has shared the steps to be followed to book an Airbnb in Ukraine for those interested in helping the hosts. It asked users to look for rentals hosted by locals in the affected areas of Ukraine like Kyiv, Kharkiv and Kherson. Airbnb told the supporters to use the ‘Instant Book’ option to book the properties as the hosts might not have an internet connection. Finally, it asked the supporters to inform the hosts that they are not actually coming but are sending the money for support.
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Also Read: Here’s How Closure Of Russian Airspace Is Affecting Flight Schedules Worldwide
Some Beautiful Messages From The Supporters
Here are some beautiful messages from the supporters booking the Airbnbs in Ukraine amid the trying times:
Hoping this is a way to help #ukraine in some small way by booking an Airbnb to get funds quickly & directly to the people on the ground.
If you want to help please read these messages from the lovely lady I booked with for some of the small towns that could most use it 🙏🏼❤️🏡 pic.twitter.com/9C6RRpoOrV
— Caty Price (@caty_price) March 4, 2022
I saw this idea and booked a locally owned AirBNB in Kyiv to help get money directly to the residents there. Air BNB have waived the fees for all Ukrainian properties 💛💙🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/B9MkCIAmu4
— Kay ♡ (@KayWestgate) March 4, 2022
Feeling helpless, I booked an @Airbnb in Kiev for a stay this week knowing the money would go direct to someone there. There were no air bnb fees attached. This is the beautiful response I got. She also told me they know the world supports them and they can all feel it 💛💙😭 pic.twitter.com/j9h88AEvit
— Kate Hutchison (@hutch8) March 3, 2022
These messages are just too sad to read… pic.twitter.com/CmKuJ5vEq1
— Rokas (@Chlevickas) March 4, 2022
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