Worldwide: Marketing agency Stay the Night in partnership with BudgetTraveller has launched a hospitality campaign to help Ukrainian refugees seek accommodation.
The campaign is calling on hotels, hostels, and other accommodation providers to welcome Ukrainian refugees.
Companies can register to join a database which will be published on a dedicated platform and shared with relevant organisations supporting refugees on the ground.
It is estimated by the United Nations that over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees have already been displaced as a result of the Russian invasion. That number is expected to grow in the coming weeks and months.
Rosie Willan, co-founder and CEO of Stay the Night, said: “Witnessing the crisis currently unfolding in Ukraine, it is easy to feel helpless – but there is action we can take together as an industry. This campaign cuts to the core of what hospitality is all about – welcoming people in.
“We have seen our industry pull together over the past two years during the pandemic and we know the potential of hospitality to do good in the world. We hope to see the same response to this campaign,” she added.
Kash Bhattacharya, founder of BudgetTraveller, said: “It is truly heartbreaking to see innocent people being forced to flee their homes. Having worked in the travel and hospitality industry for over 10 years, I know what an amazing global community this industry is. I hope we can work together to help provide shelter and safety to those in need.”
Accommodation businesses can register to list on the directory here.
Airbnb has announced that Airbnb.org will offer free, short-term housing for Ukrainian refugees. Stays will be funded by the parent company as well as donations made to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund.
