AirBnB bookings now reserved only for key workers after political pressure

The letting company has restricted all bookings to essential key workers in the wake of criticism from MPs

AirBnb has temporarily blocked all calendars from receiving new bookings for stays up to at least 18 April, unless they are for key workers or other types of essential stays.

This follows MPs Brendan O’Hara and Ian Blackford calling for the move, saying that constituents were concerned about holiday makers visiting rural Scotland over the Easter weekend, and potentially spreading COVID-19.

Brendan O’Hara claimed: “So many responsible holiday home owners are turning away business because they do not want the virus being spread in the communities; I know this is hard for them when their livelihoods are at stake, but it is absolutely the right thing to do.

“Those who are still taking bookings stand accused of putting personal profit before people’s health.”

Patrick Robinson, Director of Public Policy at Airbnb, said: “Hosts across the UK are playing a vital role in housing NHS and other medical staff as they continue their critical work.

“We've also heard from hosts who want to help others follow the rules and keep people safe during these unprecedented times.

Ian Blackford MP was one of the politicians pushing for AirBnB to stop bookings

“Restricting bookings on Airbnb to key workers and other essential stays will allow hosts to continue supporting frontline workers while following government guidance."

Ian Blackford MP welcomes the move although stated: “This should have been the case from the outset of the lockdown.

“I hope the company has learnt lessons from this.”

Both the UK and Scottish Government released guidelines on non essential travel on March 16, before the lockdown was in place, and have reiterated the importance of not travelling this Easter weekend unless absolutely necessary.