Airbnb decided to not push through with its "Night At The Great Wall" contest in which four people will experience a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor sleepover at the historic destination.
The company canceled the event over growing concerns that it will ruin the historical place, which is listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
The Business Times previously reported that winners for the said contest would spend a night in a specially built room on the wall. A panel of judges will choose the four lucky winners based on their answers to this question:"Why is it more important now than ever to break down barriers between cultures? How would you want to build new connections?" Answers should only be in 550 words or less.
In an official statement, Airbnb reiterated that the goal of the contest was to highlight how everyone can play a part in honoring and preserving the ancient site.
China's Yanqing Cultural Commission, however, said the project was not in line with the Great Wall's heritage conservation values, People's Daily reported. The commission is in control of the section of the wall where the sleepover will be supposed to be held. It
Airbnb said it had entered an agreement with the proper authorities regarding the contest. The commission argued it did not approve any plans related to the "Night At The Great Wall" contest.
Airbnb, therefore, decided not to move forward with the contest. Instead, it will be working on other projects that will showcase China's rich culture to promote travels to the country, the company stated.
"We have made the decision to not move forward with this event, and instead we are working on a range of other experiences and initiatives that showcase China as a destination and highlight how people-to-people travel can drive human connections," Airbnb said in its official statement.
China is one of Airbnb's most important markets. For this reason, the company said it would continue to promote sustainable, local, and authentic travel experience to China.
"We remain committed to that goal, and in the weeks and months ahead, we will be working closely with our hosts and guests in China as well as community leaders to highlight the culture and history that make China one of the most dynamic destinations in the world," the company said.
Airbnb assured customers that it would be committed to the goal of promoting unique, once-in-lifetime experiences while preserving historic sites in travel destinations it caters to. The company has in fact held similar activities in other historical sites, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Romania's Dracula Castle.
