I am a UK based Superhost. My property is approx 250 miles (400km) from London, the (current) UK number one hotspot for COVID-19. The small town in which I live is close to the bottom of the national COVID-19 infection table.
I have a week-long booking from a London person due to start week commencing 06 April (so next week, as I write this). In the email associated with the booking the person says they are coming to visit their parents.
The official UK Government position on this sort of travel is clear: it should not be taking place. We are all being told to "...stay at home..." and specifically, not to "...visit friends and family...". To be doing this from the nation's number one hotspot demonstrates a cavalier disregard for official advice (and common sense).
I do not want to host this booking. I do not want to support someone who is so blatantly going against official Government advice.
However, it seems there is no provision by Airbnb that allows me to cancel this booking, without damaging my Superhost status? As a host I have never, ever canceled any booking (until now).
It is possible that the Government may impose further restrictions and the problem may solve itself. However, I have a gut feeling that the guest will not cancel and it will be up to me to take action.
It seems to me that my only option is to process the cancellation and take whatever penalty Airbnb decides to impose on my Superhost status.
It all seems very wrong and unfair. Does anyone have any experience or advice to offer? Greatly received - thank you.
Chris, UK