Hotelbeds has announced it is using its position in the industry to help refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine to find accommodation.

Working with local NGOs, and with the generous support of its hotel partners across Europe, the company has launched its Making Room for Ukraine project, following its announcement to support the relief efforts of the International Committee of Red Cross and cease its commercial activities in Russia and Belarus.

Hotelbeds’ ESG lead, Aina Aguiló, said; “We knew we had to move quickly as the people of Ukraine needed urgent help, so a lot has been happening in a very short space of time.

“We are working with NGOs on the Ukrainian border to identify where refugees are heading, the route they will take and what accommodation they will need along the way.”

And CEO, Nicolas Huss, added: “We recognise that we’re in a pretty unique position within the industry where we can leverage our relationships to support this humanitarian crisis. It is the least we can do.

“Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the generous help of our hotel partners and the NGOs. We are grateful to them for their quick response and support, as well as to our teams who have been working day and night to make this happen.”

The project has already helped a number of families to make the journey from Ukraine to Spain via Hungary and France, including a group who just days before were sleeping on the floor of a shopping mall.

On behalf of the Asociación Ucraniana de Mallorca y Associació Per Ells, NGO collaborator, Marcos Cabrer, thanked Hotelbeds and their hotel partners and said: “On behalf of our group of refugees and volunteers, I just want to thank Hotelbeds and their partners for their courtesy and attention. After many kilometres and especially leaving loved ones behind, even the refugees who were suffering the most had a change in their eyes and faces’ expressions. Thank you.”