A few moments ago we cancelled 2 reservations as per guests requests. We have a strict cancellation policy and a 5-night minimum stay. We host on airbnb to supplement of our family income. Our listing is a summer 3-bedroom house in Cyprus so hosting for us is a seasonal activity.
Both guests' lives have been directly and severely impacted by the ongoing War in Ukraine:
The first family (from Ukraine/Kiev) had booked for 8/6-22/6 and have fled their home due to fighting/bombings etc.
The second (from Russia) had booked for 18/7-1/8 and flight restrictions as well as economic consequences of sanctions make it impossible for them to have summer holidays as planned.
Our understanding is that the War in Ukraine and the related sanctions against Russia are events clearly covered by the Extenuating Circumstances Policy. We expect Airbnb to acknowledge that these are circumstances where there are no adverse consequences to canceling.
https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2022/can-a-host-cancel-a-reservation-without-adverse-consequence...
But even if Airbnb does not apply their own policy and choose to penalize us as hosts, we will be at peace with our hearts since so many things are so much more important than some extra euros of income.
We pray for these people and their families in these difficult times.
#peace #endwarnow