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The global tourism industry has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, including Airbnb hosts who typically rent rooms or entire properties to visitors.
Now Airbnb has released “goodness cards” that suggest users donate money to their former hosts. The cards “make it easy to send a message of thanks or encouragement, with the option to add a contribution,” reads an email to Airbnb users.
The tool was met with anger from people who say it is nearsighted at a time of global economic suffering.
“Why would I donate to my host? I can’t even afford a house,” one user tweeted.
Some Airbnb hosts have made short-term rentals on the platform their main business, making significant profits after buying and renting numerous properties.
But some social media users supported the idea. “I built great relationships with so many hosts I’ve stayed with, and it’s nice to be able to easily spread a bit of joy,” one tweeted.
