Joe Biden Inauguration: Airbnb Blocks Washington Reservations

 

Joe Biden Inauguration: Airbnb Blocks Washington Reservations

After the attack on Capitol Hill and a few days before Joe Biden's inauguration, Airbnb decided to react. In a press release, this Wednesday, the American giant announced to have blocked the renting of residences in Washington and its suburbs. "Airbnb will cancel the reservations [...]" in the week of January 20. "In addition, we will prevent any new reservations," added the group quoted by AFP.

Today we’re announcing a 7-step plan to help build trust and assist with protecting our community of hosts and guests in the greater Washington, D.C. area as we approach the Presidential Inauguration.https://t.co/vRw7FTOpOK

— Airbnb (@Airbnb) January 12, 2021

At the same time, Airbnb decided to grant a commercial gesture. The customers who saw their trip canceled at the last moment in the American capital will be completely refunded. The renters who will not be able to accommodate tourists will also be compensated. They will receive the amount they should have received.

The group is thus responding to a request from the local authorities. Fearing further violence on inauguration day, they called on Americans and travelers not to travel to Washington during the week of January 20. In addition, to prevent any overflow, more than 20,000 soldiers of the National Guard will be mobilized in the city, the police chief announced this Wednesday. Several press articles revealed that armed militias and violent groups were planning to disrupt the January 20 ceremony.

Hotels under pressure

In Washington, D.C., a campaign organized by activists and activist groups has been encouraging Airbnb guests for several days not to rent their homes during the inauguration. The local Black Lives Matter office has been pressuring hotels not to make their rooms available to outsiders.

"We continue to work to ensure that members of hate groups are not part of the Airbnb community," said the company, which said it has expelled from its platform individuals who took part in the January 6 violence on Capitol Hill.