AirBnb has refused to provide a refund for cancellation of a trip on 1/6, to an area in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, near the epicenter of the disastrous earthquake on 1/1.
Aftershocks are still occuring in the prefecture everyday, and both the Japanese and foreign governments have warned that aftershocks are likely to continue. There are videos showing the magnitude of impact specifically to the city that we booked, including roads cracked and buildings damaged. It is unsafe to be visiting at this time.
Beyond the safety of guests, it is also inconsiderate for tourists to be visiting the area just 5 days after such a disaster. Thousands of residents in the prefecture are without water and electricity and suffering from the winter cold, and the death toll continues to rise everyday.
AirBnb should be considerate of the safety of guests, hosts and local residents in such disasters. Unfortunately, this seems to be a recurring issue, as others have posted about the same issue: https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Support-with-your-bookings/Marrekesh-Earthquake-Please-be-respon...
Please be more responsible in managing these situations. It is unfortunate enough that the disaster has happened, and I sincerely hope Airbnb will be supportive in helping both guests and hosts in this situation.
