Global Travel & Tourism sector unites to support Ukraine

From hotel rooms for refugees to vital supplies, WTTC Members show their support for Ukraine

LONDON, April 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel & Tourism businesses around the globe have come together to support Ukraine with millions of hotel rooms for refugees escaping the conflict according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

WTTC members such as Accor, Airbnb, Carnival Corporation, the European Travel Commission, Expedia, Hilton, InterContinental Hotels Group, Internova Travel Group, Marriott International, MSC Cruises, Radisson and Uber to name just a few, have opened their doors to refugees in neighboring countries, donating rooms, transport, clothing, food, shelter, urgent supplies and financial contributions.

In Ukraine, hotels have continued to stay open, offering a base to charities, journalists and those stranded by the conflict.

Businesses across the global Travel & Tourism sector including airports, airlines, cruise lines and tour operators are going to extraordinary lengths to help alleviate the suffering of those affected.

This invasion has caused the biggest displacement of people in Europe since World War II.

In addition to providing urgently needed accommodation, businesses large and small have made multi-million-dollar donations to disaster relief funds which have been supplemented by individual fundraising initiatives.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: "There has been an outpouring of support from Travel & Tourism companies across the globe. Hotels have opened their doors to receive refugees, and in Ukraine, teams on the ground are keeping hotels open for aid agencies, journalists, and those stranded and desperate.

"Cruise lines and airlines have transported supplies, and across the board the response has been incredible. I salute the courage of teams on the ground.

"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."

Many companies around the world have generously matched their employees' contributions to support charities providing help through emergency aid and essential supplies.

Temporary accommodation has been arranged thanks to generous Travel & Tourism employees opening their homes to provide emergency shelter and Airbnb came up with creative solutions to get money into the hands of local people.

Much needed medical and hospital supplies have also been provided by businesses' donations through various charities around the world. 

WTTC and the Global Travel & Tourism sector are united in providing help to those affected by this crisis.

About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, chairs and presidents of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the Travel & Tourism sector.

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SOURCE World Travel & Tourism Council