Hotel group offers accommodation to Ukraine refugees

A luxury travel group is offering emergency accommodation to refugees fleeing Russia's attack on Ukraine. 

Karma Group founder John Spence said the resort company is introducing a program that sees hotels transformed into accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. 

Dubbed Karma Refuge, the campaign will be launched in France, and see Karma Résidence Normande turned into a temporary shelter for those in need.

"I'm taking my resort in Normandy and turning it into hotel accommodation for Ukrainian refugees," Spence said. 

"We have plans to populate it with people fleeing desperate conditions in Ukraine. Mainly women and children, these people have had to long journeys in freezing temperatures for nine, 10 hours at a time just to cross the border.

“Karma won't just be somewhere to sleep, but we will also provide all food, we have full hotel staff, and all facilities free to use. Children will be given a range of activities, while parents will be given a chance to learn English and French, and will set up a Ukrainian kitchen.”

As for how these refugees will gain access to Normandy, Spence already has a plan of action. 

“To get them there we have a manager based in Warsaw, and will be using the assistance of local agents to identify those in need," he says. "They will then have a fleet of coaches to get them through to France."

This is the first time that a hotel company has done this and Spence hopes that Karma Group won't be the only global company involved. 

“Once successful my plan is to promote Karma Refuge, find other hoteliers who are willing to take it on, or private individuals who are happy to become a part of this humanitarian channel and bring people from Ukraine into a safe shelter in Europe.”

Karma Group currently operates 32 properties worldwide. 

Karma Residence Normande features private studio, one, and two-bedroom holiday-style apartments. 

On the right track: rail companies help Ukraine refugees

 

FacebookTwitterPinterestEmailWhatsApp

Railway companies across Europe are coming to the aid of Ukraine citizens fleeing Russian brutality. following the invasion.  

Many European Union countries have introduced fast-track visa processes to allow quick entry for refugees and now rail companies have joined Wizz Air in helping move people.

Eurostar, the cross-Channel train operator, is offering free travel to Ukrainians entering the UK from Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. 

The firm said that all those with a valid UK visa should speak to a member of Eurostar staff at Paris Nord, Brussels-Midi, Lille Europe or Amsterdam Central stations to receive their free ticket.

Rail companies in Poland, Germany, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Denmark and France have also launched similar schemes for those fleeing the conflict. 

This follows Wizz Air offering 100,000 free seats on flights across continental Europe departing from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia or Romania in March.

The UK Government, many of whose members are fast friend with Russian oligarchs, has not followed the EU’s lead in waiving limits to visa-free access. 

This is largely due to the intransigence of stone-hearted Home Secretary Priti Patel, surely the most inappropriately named politician on the planet. 

It has, instead, announced temporary concessions that allow elderly parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings of UK-based Ukrainian nationals to enter the country. 

Eurostar said: “To help Ukrainian nationals travelling to the UK, we can offer a free Eurostar ticket from any Eurostar station to London St. Pancras International.”

“It is important to arrive with the necessary visa documents, as these will be checked by the UK Border Force during the check-in process. 

"The UK government is regularly reviewing the criteria for Ukrainian refugees to enter the UK, so we would strongly recommend contacting the British Embassy or checking the UK government website for the latest information.” 

Airline to the aid of Ukraine refugees

European low-cost carrier Wizz Air is coming to the rescue of refugees from Russia's attack on Ukraine. 

The Hungarian-based airline says it is offering Ukrainian refugees up 100,000 free seats on flights in continental Europe departing from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia or Romania in March, Travelmole reported. 

“Wizz Air is committed to helping the refugees reach their final destinations, wherever that may be,” the airline said.

“Wizz Air has already added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to Europe to help support the movement of refugees as necessary.” 

Wizz Air said it knew many refugees are already in transit and could be stranded in other locations so was offering €29.99 “rescue fares” on other flights, excluding those to the UAE, Iceland and the Canary Islands.

Ukrainian refugees may book the flights by visiting the website https://wizzair.com/#/rescue

Passengers will be required to provide their Ukrainian passport or ID card number when booking and at check-in.

The airline has suspended its Ukraine flights but said it has added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to the rest of Europe to help support the movement of refugees to their final destinations.