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Airbnb suspends bookings for all Beijing listings

Tuesday, 11 February 20203 min read
Airbnb suspends bookings for all Beijing listings

Airbnb has suspended all check-ins at properties across Beijing until the end of the month in compliance with a local directive by authorities.

The Beijing regulations were imposed to help curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak and all guests will be refunded.

"In light of guidance from local authorities for the short-term rental industry during this public health emergency, bookings of all listings in Beijing with check-in to February 29, 2020 have been suspended," Airbnb said.

The Beijing government says it has 337 coronavirus cases which have so far led to two deaths.

Homegrown home-sharing rival Xiaozhu is also closing all rentals in Beijing for the rest of February.

It will also issue refunds and waive owner commission fees.

Last week Ctrip said it would provide $1.42 billion in loans to independent hotel operators and other travel service providers registered on its platforms to help them through the downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak.