SaferSpaces

Mar 17, 2025 | Cooperation Partners

Unfortunately, the travel sector is not the most socially sustainable. Sexual harassment, maltreatment and child work occur in many incidences. But – how can we change the status quo and create a healthy and safe environment for employees and travelers alike?

On this background, we are delighted to welcome Leah from saferspaces. With saferspaces, she and her team have created a platform that strengthens safety and inclusivity in various environments. Whether at large events, in businesses, or public spaces, saferspaces provides a seamless way for people to seek support or report incidences discreetly—helping organizations take proactive measures to foster a safer atmosphere.

Leah, when did you start working on saferspaces and how did you get the idea?

I started working on saferspaces in 2023 together with Gerret Halberstadt and Patrick Carlet. The idea came from the realization that many people experience situations of discrimination or harassment in public spaces, but there are often no easy ways to seek help. We wanted to create a low-threshold, digital solution that allows affected individuals to discreetly connect with trained staff at events, clubs, and public spaces.

“Many people experience situations of discrimination or harassment in public spaces, but there are often no easy ways to seek help.

Where has saferspaces been used at events that attract a large number of tourists?

Last year saferspaces was successfully implemented at UEFA EURO 2024, where it served as a rapid response system to support visitors facing medical or safety-related issues. The system has also been used at large festivals, cultural events, and tourist-heavy locations where ensuring the well-being of international guests is a priority. Additionally, saferspaces is not only used at events but also as a permanent solution in music clubs, companies, healthcare facilities such as saunas. Here, it serves as an anonymous reporting tool for incidents of discrimination, harassment, or unsafe situations. By integrating saferspaces into these environments, businesses and institutions can provide a safer experience for employees, customers, and visitors.

cultural learning

peer-mentoring

&

cooperation with professional working places

When thinking about a typical trip – where do you see potential for situations that people do not feel safe?

There are many situations where travelers might feel unsafe, including public transport at night, crowded tourist spots where harassment or pickpocketing can occur, and nightlife areas where alcohol and social pressure can create uncomfortable situations. Additionally, solo travelers, particularly women and marginalized groups, may face challenges in unfamiliar environments where they do not speak the language or know the local support structures. Public spaces such as wellness areas, gyms, and accommodations can also be places where boundaries are crossed, making it important to provide low-threshold reporting options for getting support.

Which role do accommodations play to provide safe spaces? How can hotels take action?
Accommodations have a crucial role in creating safe/r spaces for travelers. Hotels can train their staff to recognize and respond to situations of harassment or distress, provide discreet ways for guests to seek help, and ensure that their spaces are inclusive and accessible. Implementing digital solutions like saferspaces allows guests to contact hotel security or local support services without drawing unwanted attention. Even in hotels where no trained personnel are on-site at all times, saferspaces can still function effectively. It enables anonymous reporting to ensure that guests can share their experiences without immediate pressure. Additionally, saferspaces can support internal reporting for employee-related concerns, providing a structured and secure way to address workplace issues. By integrating such solutions, hotels can create a safer and more inclusive environment for both guests and staff.

 “Accommodations have a crucial role in creating safe/r spaces for travelers.”

Do you have recommendations for travelers who experience or observe unsafe situations?
Yes, first and foremost, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, try to remove yourself from the situation and seek help from staff, security personnel, or local authorities. If you witness someone else in distress, you can intervene safely by offering help, distracting the situation, or notifying someone in charge. Digital tools like saferspaces can also be useful for discreetly requesting assistance. It’s always helpful to research local helplines and emergency contacts before traveling.



A socially sustainable future of travel would mean that safety and inclusivity are integrated into every aspect of the journey. This includes stronger partnerships between local businesses, public spaces, and digital safety solutions to create a network of support for travelers. It also involves a shift in mindset where safety is not just about physical security but also about fostering respect, cultural awareness, and accessibility. By implementing proactive measures, empowering travelers with knowledge, and leveraging technology, we can create a travel culture where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Although the program currently aligns with the academic calendar, limiting its frequency, there is significant potential for scaling. We are eager to share our innovative model with other institutions interested in aiding refugee populations. Our program is unique, and our primary aim is to make a meaningful impact on our target demographic while also leaving a positive imprint on the hospitality industry. Refugees have an abundance of untapped potential; the key is to provide the necessary time, space, and resources to allow for their growth.

Thank you for this interview. We appreciate your work within the RAH program, and we hope that this article inspires other organizations to launch similar initiatives that make a real difference.

Lilith Diringer

This interview has been conducted by Lilith. Our CEO is eager to learn everything about sustainable travel and share deep insights with you. Her vision is to make people as well as nature profit from travelling. She wishes you a great trip wherever the next booking takes you and is happy to share details and insights on request: [email protected]