The long list of companies includes Accor, Airbnb, Carnival Corporation, the European Travel Commission, Expedia, Hilton, InterContinental Hotels Group, Internova Travel Group, Marriott International, MSC Cruises, Radisson, and Uber. All have opened their doors to refugees in neighbouring countries donating rooms, transport, clothing, food, shelter, urgent supplies and financial contributions, says the WTTC.
That’s in addition to all the businesses across the global travel and tourism sector including airports, airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators, that have gone to extraordinary lengths to help alleviate the suffering of those affected.
The WTTC notes that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused the biggest displacement of people in Europe since World War II.
In addition to providing urgently needed accommodation, travel and tourism businesses have made multi-million pound donations to disaster relief funds which have been supplemented by individual fund-raising initiatives.
“There has been an outpouring of support from Travel & Tourism companies across the globe. Hotels have opened their doors receiving refugees, and in Ukraine, teams on the ground are keeping hotels open for aid agencies, journalists, and those stranded and desperate,” says Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO.
“Cruise lines and airlines have transported supplies, and across the board the response has been incredible, and I salute the courage of teams on the ground,” she added.
“WTTC and our Members stand for peace and respecting the national sovereignty of every nation and our hearts go out to all those who are suffering from this brutal invasion.”
