Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry welcomes Airbnb U-turn on holiday homes during coronavirus pandemic
As people are urged to stay home this Easter weekend MP Drew Hendry has welcomed the news that Airbnb will no longer accept bookings in the UK during the Covid-19 crisis – following a campaign from the SNP and local communities.
The SNP MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey said the U-turn would help protect the health of local communities and has called on other holiday home companies to follow suit urging people to stay at home during the lockdown to save lives.
The move was announced in a letter to SNP MPs this morning, where AirBnB said: "We have heard from policy-makers, and local residents who are worried about incoming visitors and the impact on the health of your communities. From 9am today, it will not be possible to book a stay in the United Kingdom."
Mr Hendry said: "I welcome AirBnB's decision to ban holiday home bookings in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey during the coronavirus lockdown – and to refund those that have already been made.
"While this should have been the case from the start, I'm pleased that the company has listened to my colleagues and my concerns to do the right thing.
"I would urge other holiday home companies to do the same, and remind folk to stay at home this Easter weekend, and throughout the lockdown period, in order to prevent any further spread of the coronavirus, and to save lives – which is the most important thing right now.
"Myself and my SNP colleagues will continue to press for comprehensive financial support to help people and businesses through this crisis, and we will press for the right action to ensure a strong recovery too – but right now it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the advice and act responsibly."
