“I can’t even afford one house”: Airbnb slammed for suggesting host donations

“I can’t even afford one house”: Airbnb slammed for suggesting host donations

Airbnb has copped backlash from its users after suggesting guests donate money to hosts impacted by COVID-19.

Twitter user @olenskae posted a screenshot of what appears to be an email from the home-share giant asking guests to send personalised “kindness cards” to their past hosts with “the option to add a contribution”.

“Airbnb has lost its f*cking head. Why would I donate to my host? I can’t even afford one house,” @olenskae said in response to the message.

The app has taken a significant financial hit since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with billions of dollars in revenue vanishing, according to Business Insider.

In March, Wall Street Journal reported that Airbnb would spend US$250 million (AU$357.8 million) to reimburse hosts for the cancellations that resulted from the global crisis.

A spokesperson from Airbnb told Travel Weekly the company has heard from many guests who were interested in supporting past hosts.

“In the spirit of rekindling connections, we developed a new feature that allows travellers to send virtual cards with messages of support and encouragement to hosts who provided excellent hospitality,” the spokesperson said.

“If they wish, travellers have the option to add a voluntary financial contribution.”

Analytics from AirDNA show about one-third of Airbnb properties are owned by “megahosts” who manage at least 25 properties.

“I’m not sure I will be contributing to the mortgage for anyone’s second house at this time,” said Twitter user @BriannaWu in response to @olenskae’s tweet.

let me give a kindness card to the people who destroyed rental rates in our city…” @cellikeseggs responded. 

“Big fan of when huge corporations use heart string tugging lingo like “a new way to connect” to just say “give us some money”,” said @PeterHanes.

“Air B&B hosts have the luxury of owning a 2nd property they rent for profit. And you want ME to donate to YOU?! I’m struggling to pay my own mortgage, let alone help you pay the mortgage on your 2nd home lmao,” said @Roxinc14.

“If you donate money to a multi-billion dollar app you’re a rube,” @Evan_Hadfield quipped.

https://twitter.com/Evan_Hadfield/status/1283044413418213384

Latest News

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]