Airbnb Looking to Support Crypto While Focusing on Free Housing for 100,000 Ukrainian Refugees – Airbnb has confirmed that it is considering adding bitcoin support. In addition, the firm has volunteered to house up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.
According to the European Union, approximately four million people may attempt to leave Ukraine as a result of Russia’s invasion.
In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky discussed bitcoin and his company’s efforts to assist Ukrainian migrants. Airbnb has around 6 million active listings worldwide, with over 4 million hosts, according to its website. There are 100,000 active Airbnb listings in cities and towns throughout the world.
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Chesky was asked if Airbnb supports cryptocurrencies, as some people in Ukraine are attempting to accept cryptocurrency payments in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion.
He responded:
“Airbnb is. Of course, I support the concept of crypto as a whole. It’s a fascinating technology, in my opinion.”
“In the beginning of the year, I went on Twitter and asked a community on Twitter if Airbnb could debut anything in 2022, what would it be?” he continued. The most common reaction was to incorporate crypto payments; therefor, I’ve set up a team to look into it.”
While noting that Airbnb has nothing to say about cryptocurrency payments just yet, the CEO emphasized:
“We are thoroughly investigating this, particularly in light of the current circumstances.”
“Right now, we’re primarily focused on providing homes for refugees,” Chesky added, noting that nothing crypto will be done “that quickly.” That’s why I’ve put together a team.”
Airbnb has been considering cryptocurrency for a long time. The corporation identified blockchain and cryptocurrency as some of the technologies it is evaluating in its prospectus filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in November last year.
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Airbnb said on Monday that it will provide free temporary lodging to up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. According to the UN, more than 600,000 citizens have fled Ukraine since the Russian incursion began. According to the European Union, up to four million people may attempt to flee Ukraine as a result of Russia’s invasion.
“We offered support to governments in Poland, Germany, Hungary, Romania, and even nations west of them,” the Airbnb CEO added.
“We’ve been contacting our hosts. He said, “We’ve obtained funds and are prepared to house up to 100,000 refugees.” “We can house as many refugees as we have hosts.”
