In an effort to support Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion, Canadians are booking nights in Ukraine on Airbnb with no plans to travel.
A trend known as “ghost booking” has taken off across the country allowing Canadians to use the booking platform to directly financially support Ukrainian families.
The trend first garnered attention on social media, inspired by a post from Twitter user Tommy Marcus a.k.a @quentquarantino on Wednesday.
Canadians have booked about 3,000 nights in Ukraine, according to Airbnb. Globally, over 61,000 nights were ghost booked in Ukraine on March 2 and 3.
The gross booking value has almost reached $2 million from ghost bookings with Airbnb temporarily waiving guest and host fees in the country. Airbnb.org (the company’s non-profit organization) has also pledged to offer free housing for 100,000 refugees on a short-term basis.
The ghost bookers typically reach out to the Airbnb hosts shortly after booking to inform them that the money will still be coming, despite the bookers not traveling. Many people seeking to support have mainly booked in cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Booking in cities that were hit hard helps avoid taking up shelter from Ukrainians who may need it in other areas closer to the Polish borders.
The charitable trend has personally connected Canadians to people in Ukraine, allowing supporters to be in direct contact with the people they’re helping.
