UK: The platform, launched by online booking system eviivo, allows independent hotels and other accommodations to open up rooms to essential workers.
The Stays for Heroes initiative allows property owners to list their accommodation through a dedicated appeal page that then can be viewed by key workers looking for a place to stay.
Ian Hardwick, partnerships director at eviivo, said: “So many essential workers are facing immense pressure to keep the country going, and many of them are being forced to move out of their homes either to isolate away from their families or to be closer to work.”
“At the same time, the independent accommodation sector has been impacted tremendously, with thousands of bookings being cancelled in the wake of the crisis. Rooms that would usually be booked are now empty, so we decided to bring our community of properties together to try to help those most at need while also supporting these local, often family-run businesses at the same time.”
“In recent weeks there has been a real sense of coming together, and we hope that through Stays for Heroes we can do our bit to support.”
David Weston, chairman of the B&B Association, added: “Business has dried up for thousands of B&Bs all over the country, which would normally be filling up with bookings over the next few months.”
“Having spoken to many property owners who are listing their accommodation through Stays for Heroes, it allows them to remain open while also making it that bit easier for key workers to find rooms in their area. They are working round the clock to keep the country going and having a comfortable, safe place to stay will hopefully go some way towards supporting the incredible work they are doing.”
