The US President Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily blocking entry of citizens and even legal US residents from seven nations. A growing number of tech executives have voiced their opinions against the decision including Facebook, Google and Uber among others. They are doing whatever they see fit to help their employees affected by the order. However, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky went a step further and is trying to help anyone out these who needs help by leveraging the massive network of homes it has on offer.

Brian Chesky posted on his Facebook and Twitter accounts that Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone else who needs it in the event they are declined the ability to board a US bound flight and are not in their city/country of residence. Along with this, he also shared his email asking people to reach him directly.

Others, including Basecamp Founder Jason Fried extended a helping hand.

https://twitter.com/jasonfried/status/825524514737922050

The community of Airbnb hosts also extended their support.

@bchesky as an @airbnb host myself, thank you for wasting no time taking decisive action.

— Brandon Tucker (@BrandonTucker) January 29, 2017

@bchesky @LaurenGreenberg yes. thank you so much for doing this.

— Victor Huckabee (@popesaintvictor) January 29, 2017

@bchesky How do Airbnb hosts sign up to host refugees?

— PopcornPam (@PopcornPam) January 29, 2017

https://twitter.com/PlanetEmerson/status/825519980745781248

@bchesky im a host in Ireland and ill help in any way I can

— Karen (@ikareen51) January 29, 2017

This also got the attention of those not associated with the brand.

@bchesky small gesture by me, but when I put my house up for rent later this year it will be on Airbnb #respect

— Mark Collier (@sparkycollier) January 29, 2017

https://twitter.com/XeMurray/status/825597775949754368

The post Airbnb CEO goes a step further in helping those affected by Trump’s order appeared first on TravHQ.

Airbnb is considered to be one of the biggest disrupters in the hospitality industry. With more and more travellers looking for authentic experiences during their travel, the sharing economy is booming and Airbnb is leading the change. With new tools for business travellers and premium listings, Airbnb is eating into the bigger pie. There have been some controversies around the brand but there is lot more to it than just the controversies. Here are some interesting facts about Airbnb that you probably didn’t know.

#1. Those Funding Days

The initial funds ($30,000) were generated by selling special breakfast cereals called “Obama O’s” and “Cap’n McCains” taking inspiration from presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.

ObamaO’s breakfast cereal

#2. The Valuation Game

It is valued at $20 billion which is higher than the valuation of Accor and Hyatt combined (Accor-$10.82 billion, Hyatt-$8.98 billion).

#3. How did it all happen

The idea originated with Brian Chesky & Joe Gebbia (co-founders) renting air mattresses in their apartment to visitors of a trade show to pay rents.

#4. You can stay at Brian’s place

Brian Chesky has been living on and off in Airbnbs since 2010 and listing the original Airbnb apartment on the website. 

#5. The name

The original name was AirBed&Breakfast which was later shortened to Airbnb.

#6. Celebs at Airbnb

You can find large number of celebrity houses listed on Airbnb like Elizabeth Taylor’s house here.

#7. Zero Ownership

Despite being the largest accommodation provider, Airbnb owns no real estate.

#8. Size Zero

You can rent a 1 sqm house in Germany on Airbnb. A wooden waterproof construction on wheels with slide door and a desk.

#9. Your Favourite F1 Team

Airbnb sponsors the Manor Marussia F1 Team.

The Manor F1 car with Airbnb sponsorship logos

#10. and lastly…

Their love for cars goes beyond F1. You can find Tesla charging stations at various Airbnb properties in California.

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