The travel industry has had a turbulent past couple of years, and now that others are in a time of need, it is stepping up and helping however it can. Trailing after Airbnb’s decision to put up Ukrainian refugees at homestay rentals, Costa Cruises—Carnival Corporation’s Italian subsidiary—has offered its Costa Magica ship as temporary housing for people who have fled from Ukraine as a result of the war with Russia.
Costa Magica is currently docked off the coast of northwestern Italy but remains idle due to the COVID-19 shutdown. With the vessel being out of service, the cruise line has expressed its wish to it into a potential temporary hub and help support the influx of Ukrainian refugees entering the country.
The ship has been offered to the Italian government as part of its National Civil Protection’s plans to accommodate displaced Ukrainians, Carnival Corporation spokesperson Roger Frizzell tells news outlets. Costa Cruises intends to cover the costs for fulfilling this promise, including wages and meals.
“Costa Cruises is following the dramatic events in Ukraine with great concern,” the company says in a press release. “Our thoughts are with the people involved, including the families of our Ukrainian colleagues who are understandably concerned about their loved ones.” It has also provided “immediate support” by donating medical supplies and medication to Ukrainians in need.
Separately, Carnival Corporation’s Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, named after its chairman and his wife, is donating US$3 million to organizations supporting Ukrainian refugees—namely World Central Kitchen, Direct Relief, and UNICEF USA. The company’s flagship Carnival Cruise Line has also pledged US$50,000 to World Central Kitchen in support of its Ukrainian employees.
Although moved by the gesture, Giovanni Toti, the Governor of Liguria Region, says the cruise ship isn’t needed for now, adding that the help of volunteers worldwide has been enough. Nevertheless, he thanks Costa Cruises for the offer.
[via
http://www.designtaxi.com/news/418206/Costa-Cruises-Offers-To-Temporarily-House-Displaced-Ukrainians-On-Ship/
Leave a Reply