Booking platform eviivo commits Christmas party money to support hospitality sector

Technology firm is matching staff bookings for 2021 to boost revenue to independent B&Bs, inns and rental suppliers

Specialist software developer for independent hospitality firms eviivo is financially supporting the sector over Christmas by making donations for every staff booking.

The London-based firm has seen all of its staff pre-book a stay at a B&B, independent hotel or inn of holiday rental for 2021 as part of the initiative.

In response eviivo has vowed to match one night for every booking made instead of spending on the traditional staff Christmas party.

The technology firm’s staff are now calling on other companies in the travel sector to get behind the cause and do the same for their employees.

The hope this will generate much-needed funds for an industry hit hard by lockdown and travel restrictions.

Bookings will be paid upfront, however stays are planned for 2021 to respect current safety guidelines.

A ‘room’ remains a private space and a safe space and most accommodation providers have already implemented enhanced cleaning and safety protocols.

Ruth Whitehead, eviivo human resources director, said: “2020 has been an incredibly tough year for everyone but it has been especially hard on the hospitality sector.

“Independent property owners have seen their businesses suffer gravely due to multiple lockdowns and travel restrictions.

“eviivo has not been spared but we’ve been thinking hard about how we can support our customers and the wider industry and it’s great to see employees come together to help support the wonderful sector we work in, and even better to see the company back our bookings pledge.”

This initiative follows an earlier campaign by eviivo to support the independent accommodation sector through the pandemic.

Its Stay for Heroes website helped key workers find accommodation across the UK at the height of the crisis when hotels, vacation rentals, inns and B&Bs were forced to close.