Covid 19 & SXSW Cancellation

[Mary116]

Austin Texas does not have any cases of COVID 19, but the Mayor did cancel the major festival, SXSW, next week.

Does anyone have recommendations on how best to handle cancelations because companies who were exhibitors at SXSW have decided not to come to Austin because the festival is canceled?

We had one big company rent all of our houses, and then say COVID-19 is why they are not coming. But we don't have any cases in Austin yet.

Our cancelation policy is strict. They are demanding a full refund and unwilling to settle for anything less.

A $10k refund will hit my bottom line hard enough to turn it red. 

Any ideas? 

[Thomas977]

Please sign http://chng.it/Sj9nRW7VDn

[Justin205]

I think Airbnb's decision to override strict cancellation policies and place all financial burden for cancellations on hosts is deeply unfair and will cause us considerable financial hardship this year. Guests have usually paid up front in most cases so the money is already spent - sad though it is that they don't get to go on the trip they've paid for. Some guests may have travel insurance, also. The amounts promised (we'll see what actually transpires) are derisory.