Concerns Over Violence by Trump Supporters and Far-Right Groups
Full Refunds and Suspension of New Reservations
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The U.S. accommodation sharing company Airbnb has decided to cancel all lodging reservations in Washington DC during the inauguration week of President-elect Joe Biden.
Having already faced turmoil due to the Capitol riot, Airbnb is concerned that the inauguration of Biden could once again embroil it in violent unrest by supporters of President Donald Trump.
According to Bloomberg on the 13th (local time), Airbnb announced that it will fully cancel all lodging reservations in Washington DC from Monday to Friday of the week when Biden's inauguration takes place, and will not accept new reservations.
Supporters of President Trump and far-right group members who caused the January 6th federal Capitol riot are planning a "Million Militia March" timed with Biden's inauguration on the 20th.
In a statement, Airbnb said, "We have received reports of armed groups moving to Washington DC to disrupt the inauguration," and "After consulting with federal government officials, we decided to cancel reservations."
This measure will apply not only to Airbnb but also to HotelTonight, a hotel reservation platform owned by Airbnb. However, guests with existing long-term reservations covering those dates will not be subject to the ban.
Airbnb plans to fully refund all related costs to Washington DC residents and users who had made lodging reservations.
Additionally, Airbnb is permanently banning from its platform individuals identified as involved in the Capitol riot, members of hate groups, and those associated with hate groups.
Major U.S. hotel chains Hilton and Marriott stated that they will maintain existing lodging reservations, considering that they have customers officially invited to the inauguration.
Marriott said, "We will keep our hotels open until the inauguration," adding, "We prioritize our customers' safety, are closely monitoring the situation, and are establishing security plans."
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