People are booking Airbnb stays in Ukraine as a form of financial aid

Airbnb users found a new way to support Ukrainians as Russia continues the invasion of their country. People outside of Ukraine are booking Airbnb rentals in Kyiv and other cities across the country with no plans to visit. The initiative allows users to send immediate financial assistance directly to Airbnb hosts in Ukraine.  

The idea spread quickly. On March 2 and March 3, guests from all over the world booked more than 61,000 stays in Ukraine worth nearly $2 million, NPR reports. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky supported the initiative in his tweet. Currently, the company is waiving all host and guest fees in Ukraine. 

On February 28, Airbnb announced that it will offer free, short-term housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. All stays will be funded by Airbnb, donors to Airbnb.org Refugee Fund, and the generosity of Airbnb hosts. 

“Airbnb and Airbnb.org are working with our Hosts to house up to 100,000 refugees fleeing from Ukraine, for free. We need help to meet this goal. The greatest need we have is for more people who can offer their homes in nearby countries, including Poland, Germany, Hungary, and Romania,” tweeted Chesky. 

The donations via Airbnb bookings help make up for lost income and support those in need of food, transportation, and other necessities. In addition, guests who book stays in Ukraine can exchange messages with local hosts and create a human connection, which is much needed in this situation. Click here to view response from the hosts. 

On Friday, Airbnb suspended operation in Russia and Belarus, Business Insider reports. Users no longer can book new stays in these countries until further notice. The decision was announced by CEO Brian Chesky on his Twitter account. 

Resources:

“People are booking Airbnbs in Ukraine — not to stay, but to lend their support,” by Laura Wamsley (NPR, 2022)

“People around the world are booking Airbnbs in Ukraine. They don't plan to check in,” by Faith Karimi and Samantha Kelly (CNN, 2022)

“Airbnb Ghost Bookings Emerge As an Iffy Form of Aid to Ukraine,” by Clio Chang (Curbed, 2022)

“Support for refugees fleeing Ukraine,” by Airbnb (Airbnb.org, 2022)

“Airbnb is suspending operations in Russia and Belarus, CEO Brian Chesky announces,” by Lina Batarags (Business Insider, 2022)