Thank you so much @Aisling for your overview of the unfolding situation as it affected all aspects and Departments of Airbnb, especially as "we" SuperHosts' and Hosts alike have similar stories of how much impacted we all were and are.
I do have to say that of all the Airbnb team I contacted right at the beginning of the crisis (particularly as I reacted far quicker than the majority, including Airbnb, in requesting that Cancellations of Bookings under Airbnb's "Extenuating Circumstances" Policy should come into play immediately, and without any penalties to either Guests or Hosts' alike - for after all, this pandemic is not the fault of Guests, Hosts, nor Airbnb, so morally, no-one but no-one (in my humble opinion) should benefit from anyone's misery. I was glad therefore to read that Brian Chesky was a fellow believer of morals for the situation.
Something I suggested at the time, and which, if implemented by Airbnb would make a big difference for all concerned, even though it might add a small (extra) amount to the amount Guests' will have to pay, is that rather than holiday insurance being "optional" it should be "mandatory" for all Guests' to have in place BEFORE any booking is made.
As suggested at the time (mid-March) altho' I wasn't suggesting that Airbnb became Insurers in their own right, should they link up with a reputable Insurance Company, the transaction/transactions should run far smoother for all concerned, and once in place, would take away from both Hosts and Airbnb the great "upsets" that have affected (morally and financially) everyone who sought reimbursement!
When - after the Covid-19 pandemic - all has become the brand new world, and holidays/stays are not only allowed to happen once again, but Airbnb slowly but surely rebuilds its place in the world, I would like to believe that not only will the business remodel itself on its beliefs and morals, but that all those people who also took and accepted the morality of repaying Guests in full, will be rewarded by having full Calendars of bookings.
Judging by my own Guests, none of whom lost anything apart from their ability to stay at our place, yet each and every one was ever so grateful for the attention I paid to the predicaments facing them, as well as to ensuring they were repaid in full, each and every one was not only grateful, but also said that as soon as the pandemic was over, they would book to stay at our property.
I very much doubt that Guests of those OTAs who refused to repay, only repay in part, or who chose to only issue vouchers will see their Guests again however, but then again, there may well be many Hosts of Airbnb who will also lose out because of their attitudes!
Thank you once again @Aisling , and please will you pass on my thanks to all (from the very bottom to the very top) at Airbnb, as well as my best wishes for the brand new world yet to come.
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