“Emergency Escape: How a Community of Travel Lovers is RISING from the Ashes to Support LA Wildfire Heroes”
Dozens of Hospitality and Tourism Businesses Offer Support to Those Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have forced over 180,000 people to evacuate their homes, leaving many without a place to return to. The flames have ripped through entire neighborhoods, leaving properties as smoldering wrecks. In the face of this devastating crisis, dozens of hospitality and tourism businesses have come forward to offer support to those affected.
Airbnb Offers Free Temporary Housing
Airbnb, a holiday rental site, is offering free temporary housing for people displaced by the wildfires. The organization has partnered with 211 LA, a non-profit organization connecting residents with essential services, to put people in touch with property owners. The stays are funded by Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb that provides free emergency housing in times of crisis, and Airbnb hosts.
The free temporary housing is specifically focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar areas. More information can be found here.
Vrbo Offers Refunds to Canceled Reservations
Vrbo, an online marketplace for holiday rentals, is offering refunds to guests who have been forced to cancel reservations at properties in fire-affected areas.
Hotels Offer Discounts on Rooms
Hotels across Los Angeles are offering discounted room rates for evacuees. Los Angeles Tourism has compiled a list of hotels that are offering discounts to those displaced here. Hotels in Anaheim are also offering reduced room rates for those affected in the Southern California area.
Guests should keep their receipts and take photos of them to submit to their home or travel insurance company for reimbursement.
Hotels Welcome Pets and Uber Offers Free Rides
People fleeing with pets are being welcomed at various properties outside the city, including the Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport, Alisal Ranch, and the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.
Ride-sharing apps Uber and Lyft are also offering free transport – up to $40 and two trips of up to $25 respectively – to shelters for those in fire-affected areas.
FAQ:
Q: Who is eligible for the free temporary housing offered by Airbnb?
A: The free temporary housing is specifically focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar areas.
Q: Can I get a refund on my canceled reservation at a Vrbo property?
A: Yes, Vrbo is offering refunds to guests who have been forced to cancel reservations at properties in fire-affected areas.
Q: Which hotels are offering discounted room rates for evacuees?
A: Los Angeles Tourism has compiled a list of hotels that are offering discounts to those displaced, and hotels in Anaheim are also offering reduced room rates for those affected in the Southern California area.
Q: Can I take my pet with me if I need to evacuate?
A: Yes, many hotels are welcoming pets, including the Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport, Alisal Ranch, and the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.
Conclusion:
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been devastating, and many people are in need of support. Thankfully, dozens of hospitality and tourism businesses have come forward to offer their assistance. From free temporary housing to discounted room rates, there are many resources available to those affected. By taking advantage of these offers, evacuees can focus on rebuilding their lives and recovering from this disaster.