I am delighted by the news that Airbnb have made the sensible decision to stop all bookings from today until the 18th of April in line with Government advice. As the UK is currently in lockdown I believe they have made the right decision to prevent people traveling unnecessarily and putting others and themselves at risk.
However, today’s announcement will not impact free stays for NHS and other medical staff and paid or subsidised stays for essential and key workers. Airbnb reported that over 12,000 hosts in the UK have opted to provide accommodation for their Frontline Stays programme.
Providing accommodation for these key workers will come as a relief to many in these difficult times, I would like to thank Airbnb and all the hosts including in South Derbyshire who have opted to provide accommodation for these key workers.
Airbnb have also provided further information for guests and hosts with existing bookings, they said
“We have also emailed all guests with existing bookings, reiterating government guidance and telling them not to travel unless it is essential. Guests with bookings made before March 14 that fall between March 14 and May 31 are able to claim a full refund through our cancellation policy. If you raise concerns with us about hosts in your community suspected of breaching the current emergency regulations, we will confirm with hosts that the stay fits an essential purpose.”
Any further announcements regarding ‘lock-down’ will of course affect the situation going forward so please keep an eye out for any changes. But this strong message now from Airbnb , echoed by other holiday letting outlets is very welcome. We must stay home and protect the NHS and save lives.
