Airbnb Donates £300,000 to help families to take their first holiday
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb has donated nearly £300,000 to the Family Holiday Charity to provide first-time unforgettable holidays for disadvantaged families across the UK.
- The partnership will spotlight the essential role of holidays in reconnecting with loved ones, experiencing the best of the UK and supporting affordable travel.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb has donated nearly £300,000 to the Family Holiday Charity to provide first-time unforgettable holidays for disadvantaged families across the UK.
- The partnership will spotlight the essential role of holidays in reconnecting with loved ones, experiencing the best of the UK and supporting affordable travel.
Airbnb is proud to announce a near £300,000 donation to the Family Holiday Charity, dedicated to providing disadvantaged families across the UK with their first unforgettable holiday together. This unique partnership builds on our commitment to championing the ‘Best of British’ and ensuring that every family – regardless of circumstance – can discover the joy and connection that comes from experiencing a break away from the every-day in some of the UK’s extraordinary destinations.
For thousands of disadvantaged families, the possibility of a holiday remains out of reach: Family Holiday Charity’s research shows that over 2.2 million UK families with dependent children cannot afford a one-week holiday.1 Many face significant additional barriers such as financial hardship, long-term health problems, disability, and caring responsibilities. For these families, a free holiday can be life-changing and a proven catalyst for positive change.
The holiday gap is real, meaning that many UK children and parents have never enjoyed time away together or explored the country’s extraordinary destinations. Family Holiday Charity’s programmes have demonstrated a substantial impact, with 92% of families supported saying that their holiday had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.2 Holidays can reduce the need for further support and intervention, encourage economic empowerment, and help families face future challenges with greater confidence.
Rob Parkinson, CEO of Family Holiday Charity, said: “Our vision is to transform lives with the anticipation, enjoyment and memory of a holiday. Thanks to Airbnb, more families will be able to explore, have new experiences, meet new people, and simply have fun together. We are looking forward to working in partnership with Airbnb to take this offer even further and support this vital work.”
Luke Impett, Head of External Affairs and Partnerships at Airbnb, said: “Holidays are not a luxury, they are essential moments for families to switch off and spend time together. We believe everyone deserves a holiday and are supporting the Family Holiday Charity to reduce the ‘holiday gap’ in the UK, impacting 2.5m families. The UK is home to some of the most beautiful getaways, and we hope this funding allows more people to experience that, with the added benefit of spreading tourism across the country so that lesser-known destinations can thrive.”
Airbnb’s Commitment: Investing in Local Destinations
This partnership demonstrates Airbnb’s ongoing commitment to the future of UK tourism. Last year, Airbnb hosted over 25 million guest nights, contributing more than £5.7bn to the economy.
Programs like the Best of British fund have invested £1m annually to safeguard local stays, experiences and attractions—ensuring their continued success and supporting the communities at the heart of the visitor economy.
As the Government prioritizes economic growth and seeks to attract 50 million visitors by 2030, initiatives like these show how platforms like Airbnb can help drive tourism, support local jobs, and ensure Britain’s destinations remain vibrant for generations to come.
Together, with partners like Family Holiday Charity, we’re keeping Britain extraordinary – so that every family can experience their first holiday, and every community can continue to thrive.