Travel and tourism businesses around the globe have come together to support Ukraine with millions of hotel rooms available for refugees escaping the conflict, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
WTTC members such as Accor, Airbnb, Carnival Corporation, the European Travel Commission, Expedia, Hilton, InterContinental Hotels Group, Internova Travel Group, Marriott International, MSC Cruises, Radisson and Uber, to name just a few, have opened their doors to refugees in neighboring countries donating rooms, transport, clothing, food, shelter, urgent supplies and financial contributions. Marriott, for example, is also matching donations to World Central Kitchen and UNICEF from its Bonvoy members.
In Ukraine, hotels have continued to stay open offering a base to charities, journalists, and those stranded by the conflict. Hyatt in an update on Wednesday noted it is sending supplies to the people of Ukraine, providing refugee accommodations across Europe, job transfers for Hyatt colleagues and a relief fund for Hyatt colleagues in need of basic necessities, relocation support and care. In addition, World of Hyatt members can support the global Red Cross relief efforts via World of Hyatt points.
Hyatt also shared that, while it previously terminated its association, contracts and relationship with Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park, it will also suspend the provision of services under the existing management agreement at Hyatt Regency Sochi, effective 11:59 p.m. local time on April 14, 2022. Guests with questions regarding stays for April 15 and beyond are encouraged to contact the hotel directly.
Businesses across the global travel and tourism sector including airports, airlines, cruise lines and tour operators, are going to extraordinary lengths to help alleviate the suffering of those affected. Another such example is Holland America Line and the City of Rotterdam making the line’s Volendam available to accommodate up to 1,500 Ukrainians. The paid voyages with passengers were cancelled in order to support the Netherlands’ commitment to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland. According to the WTTC, the invasion has caused the biggest displacement of people in Europe since World War II.
In addition to providing urgently needed accommodation, businesses large and small have made multimillion-dollar donations to disaster relief funds. which have been supplemented by individual fund-raising initiatives.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO said in a statement, “WTTC and our Members stand for peace and respecting the national sovereignty of every nation and our hearts go out to all those who are suffering from this brutal invasion.”
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