@Airbnb
My idea for how Airbnb should handle this.
To: AIRBNB
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures
Think out of the box - have courage and vision
In 2018 Airbnb’s projected revenue figure was $3.8 billion ( not sure what actual figures were or what the end of year profit and cash flow was). The founders are all billionaires on Forbes 500.
Airbnb should pay all hosts (there are 7 million plus) what they earned last year for the same time frame (starting when this started in January) until the pandemic ends, and deduct what hosts receive(d) during this time. Possibly the total will be more than Airbnb earned last year - but eyes on the future prize please!
Sometimes going back to square one is the best move.
And I am sure Airbnb can figure the calculation and algorithms for what is a simple equation.
Reasons: It would be stellar marketing and publicity, and probably less than Airbnb will have to pay for positive PR and survival to maintain and burnish its 'everyone belongs' we are community when this is over: it would demonstrate care for public health and safety, and Airbnb community, and increase host's trust and loyalty to brand, and show respect for the people who made this business possible—hosts (guests are already taken care of with 100% refund at the host's expense). This is what Airbnb needs to survive if they want to be a cut above the rest and show humanity and vision, if, and it is a big if, they are banking on going forward with the same model. Are they?
I have read that some businesses are doing this, true, they are exceedingly rare at the moment.
And, going forward, stipulate that guests must have travel insurance that way hosts are not penalized by irresponsible travelers. I am sure Airbnb could negotiate a favorable rate for Airbnb users, if they bothered. There are many more improvements but this would be a good start...
One can but live in hope in trying times!