Around the world: The IHM editorial team [publisher of ShortTermRentalz] highlight the charitable efforts of travel and hospitality companies in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which is in its eighth day as we write, is devastating. Ukraine is facing a humanitarian crisis with at least one million civilians having already fled the country. The United Nations predicted 12 million people living inside Ukraine will need protection and assistance, and more than four million refugees will need assistance in the coming months.
In response to the crisis, many travel and hospitality businesses have pledged to help. Operators such as the Eurostar train line and the airline Wizz Air promised thousands of free places to Ukrainian refugees. OTAs such as Booking.com have also donated to charities supporting on the ground. Glenn Fogel, CEO and Chairman of Booking Holdings, said, “Booking Holdings recently donated $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross to assist in their relief efforts, and we will match every donation of employee of Booking Holdings and our brands. As the situation evolves, we will continue to explore other ways to support the Ukrainian people.
As travel to Ukraine and especially Russia comes to a halt, hosts will play a vital role in accommodating international charities and journalists over the coming weeks and months. The IHM editorial team will continue to report on the news as it develops.
Charitable efforts of travel and hospitality companies
In response to the invasion of Ukraine, a number of companies in the travel and hospitality sectors are stepping up to help those fleeing the conflict in the country.
• Airbnb has promised providing free short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine through its non-profit organization Airbnb.org, with stays funded by Airbnb, Airbnb.org Refugee Fund donors, and host donations through Airbnb.org. The company has previously worked to provide free temporary housing to refugees in Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America and other regions.
• Hopper plans to release up to USD 50,000 through its integrated credit system to people who leave Ukraine and need temporary accommodation in neighboring countries. The reservation credit will be available for people who have resided in Ukraine and are looking for assistance with stays in Europe, whether in hotels or house rentals. Refugees applying for housing assistance must complete the admission form here.
• Network of bed and breakfasts and seasonal rentals, Gîtes de Francerelaunched his initiatives platform to raise funds for those who need help in Ukraine. 100% of donations collected will be allocated to a charity / humanitarian organization on the ground – donations can be made here.
• NUMA Groupa short-term rental/hospitality technology provider and driver of the commercial living asset class, offers free accommodation to refugees at its locations in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Florence, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Vienna and Prague.
The group also supports the German industry initiative Everybedhelps – initiated by Florian Wichelmann, CEO of Nena Apartments – with Apartments ADAPT Berlin GmbH, apartment GmbH, limeLivinghotels, Primestar Group, STAY.The Circus Inn and Residences Vilhelm7 Berlin. To get involved, contact [email protected] or visit gut.orga non-profit working group of betterplace.orgwho is in direct contact with the refugees.
• Rentals to Rescue is a new initiative launched by the podcast partners of Hospitality.FM, involving operators, vendors and guests from the US short-term rental industry. The initiative aims to raise funds to provide accommodation in neighboring countries for Ukrainian refugees. Learn more and support GoFundMe page.
• Alternative hosting market HomeToGo launched its Ukraine Relief page, which provides resources for those seeking shelter, those who can offer temporary housing, and those who have additional resources to offer. Information is available for Germany, Poland, UK and the WE. HomeToGo will also donate and match all contributions made by its team directly to organizations providing relief to Ukraine amid the humanitarian crisis.
• Marketing agency Stay for the night in partnership with BudgetTraveler launched a hospitality campaign to help Ukrainian refugees find housing. The campaign – called “Hospitality for Ukraine” – appeals to hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. Businesses can register to join a database that will be published on a dedicated global directory and shared with relevant organizations supporting refugees on the ground.
• Hotel cloud management company Mews supports the global community in three ways. 1) Matching donations which he will supplement with €100,000 for People in need, Ukrainian Red Crossand World Central Cuisine. 2) Introduce automatic holidays and salary advances for employees who need to organize help for their families. 3) Allow employees to volunteer on projects, in technology or in another field.
• Hotel and tourism consulting firm, PKF The hotel group has launched “Hospitality Helps”, a campaign calling on hotels to welcome refugees from Ukraine. A correspondent online booking platform is now active, where hotel owners and operators can grab free capacity and refugees can book. PKF is looking for rooms specifically in Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
• Digital guest guide Touch Stay – which has team members in Kyiv and Lviv in Ukraine – guides its community to donate directly to the accounts set up by the Bank of Ukraine to support either the armed forces or humanitarian efforts. It supports “humanitarian aid to Ukrainians affected by Russian aggression”, an account opened by the National Bank of Ukraine [NBU] for charitable contributions to help Ukrainians affected by Russian aggression.
• Private Members Club Soho House is supporting UNICEF and Cook For Ukraine – a global food and drink campaign set up by Instagram food influencer Clerkenwell Boy, which has already raised over £40,000. Those who want to get involved and donate can order “invisible pierogies” – a Ukrainian specialty – from the menus at Soho House in March.
• Mermaid collection offers free hotel rooms with breakfast, for one to four people for a maximum of five nights, in the Sir and Max Brown hotels in Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Vienna. Room requests can be submitted here.
• Corporate accommodation provider and serviced apartment brand based in Helsinki, First name, works in partnership with the organization #FinlandForUkraine to provide free emergency housing solutions to Ukrainian refugees in Sweden, Norway and Finland, worth up to €100,000. Learn more and apply for emergency accommodation at this link.
Refugees and asylum seekers fleeing Ukraine who need immediate assistance can connect to available resources from the United Nations Refugee Agency.
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