Travel Companies Stepping Up to Provide Shelter and Transport for Ukrainian Refugees

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting refugee crisis have touched the hearts of many worldwide, regardless of their previous visits to the eastern European nation. According to the United Nations, over 5.4 million individuals had fled Ukraine as of April 28.

As we enter the third month of a seemingly endless war, refugees still require support. Since the outset, numerous travel companies have been doing their part to assist those displaced by offering shelter and safe transportation.

Here’s a glimpse of several travel-related businesses that continue to lend a hand to those fleeing the conflict—along with suggestions on how you can contribute as well.

Marriott Bonvoy

The hotel group is urging loyalty program members to contribute their points to assist individuals in Ukraine and nearby nations. So far, Marriott Bonvoy has teamed up with World Central Kitchen (providing meals and supplies) and UNICEF (ensuring Ukrainian children have access to safe water, nutrition, healthcare, education, and more). Every 2,500 points equates to $10 in cash for these organizations. The brand will match donations point-for-point up to 100 million points.

“As of now, over 46 million Marriott Bonvoy points have been donated,” the brand stated in a press release on April 7, adding, “We are also launching our own relief efforts, with many of our hotels offering shelter and supplies to refugees. Our hotels and staff have gathered over $1.7 million in cash and in-kind donations. More than 80 of our hotels in neighboring countries are participating in the Hospitality Helps initiative, contributing over 11,000 free room nights so far.”

Airbnb

Airbnb’s nonprofit division, Airbnb.org, is working to provide free temporary housing for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. To achieve this, it has partnered with International Organizations for Migration, HIAS, Nova Ukraine, Save the Children Sweden, and the German government to connect those in need with available accommodations.

As of April 20, over 11,000 displaced individuals had found shelter in Europe.

“While Airbnb.org partners with organizations that support all refugees, irrespective of nationality, race, ethnicity, or identity, the nonprofits collaborating with Airbnb.org are particularly focused on aiding marginalized communities fleeing Ukraine, including African students, individuals with rare diseases and their families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Airbnb.org stated in its recent press release.

Those wishing to support Airbnb.org’s efforts can donate directly through the website or register to offer free or discounted accommodations at airbnb.org/help-ukraine. As of April 20, over 28,600 individuals globally had signed up to provide housing.

Another popular option among Airbnb users has been booking stays in Ukraine. Even for those who do not plan to visit, the funds still reach local residents.

Holland America

At the onset of the conflict, the Netherlands pledged to host 50,000 individuals fleeing Ukraine. Some of them will temporarily find shelter aboard Holland America Line’s Volendam. The ship will dock in Rotterdam, accommodating and feeding 1,500 displaced individuals for three months.

“We are uniquely positioned to meet the urgent demand for food and housing, so it was crucial for us to collaborate with the City of Rotterdam and charter this ship,” stated Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, in a statement. “Our company was established in Rotterdam with the mission of helping immigrants pursue a better life. Today, we take pride in being a small part of a similar mission for Ukrainians who have unfortunately been displaced.”

The ship was originally scheduled to embark on voyages to Norway, the British Isles, and Iceland starting May 15, but those sailings have been postponed until July 3 to fulfill the three-month commitment. The vessel will dock at a cargo port on the River Maas, and those onboard will have access to all facilities.

Holland America Group has also allocated $1 million for an emergency assistance fund to support its Ukrainian employees.

Uber

The ride-sharing platform recently introduced an in-app donation feature, enabling riders to contribute to the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian organization that aids individuals affected by major crises in their recovery and rebuilding efforts. The app will match donations up to $1 million. Additionally, Uber made a separate donation of $500,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and World Food Program USA in support of the UN World Food Programme’s humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine and surrounding areas,” Uber announced in a press release.

Miles4Migrants

Although not a conventional travel agency, this nonprofit utilizes travel benefits to assist refugees in need.

Miles4Migrants gathers donated miles from frequent flyers to provide refugees with necessary flights to safety. Since its establishment in 2016, the organization claims to have redeemed over 370 million miles, assisting more than 30,000 individuals in their travels. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, the organization is arranging flights for those currently in temporary accommodations in border nations, facilitating their journey to long-term homes across the globe.

Those wishing to contribute can donate miles from any airline via the Miles4Migrants website. The organization is also seeking cash and flight voucher donations, which will be allocated to cover award taxes and fees.