We support Airbnb’s efforts to help their traveler and host communities. During the travel shutdown, they allowed guests to cancel reservations with no penalty or service fees charged, overriding more stringent cancellation policies in place. Guests were offered the choice of a refund or a credit for future travel. These efforts likely helped retain guests loyal to the platform who are more likely to return when the pandemic is over and we can all travel again.
Recognizing the impact of these penalty-free cancellations on host earnings, Airbnb has committed to supporting hosts as well. Reservations made before March 14th with a check-in between March 14th to May 31st will be paid out at a rate of 25%. This payment is made solely by Airbnb and will come as a welcome relief to many. It is notable that Airbnb is the only short-term rental platform to offer this type of financial relief to hosts impacted by travel cancellations.
Furthermore, hosts who have qualified for Superhost status may have even more options available. Airbnb has created a $10 million Superhost Relief Fund to support these types of hosts with contributions from their founders and employees. This relief fund, expected to be announced in April, will provide up to $5,000 in grants to keep people in their homes and hosting.
Any experienced traveler knows that some places are truly special. They have that magical quality that you dreamily remember fondly years later. Guests have reached out to Airbnb to express a strong desire to support those spaces, so Airbnb will begin facilitating financial support transactions to help former guests support their favorite hosts.
Leave a Reply