‘Room for Her’ study by The Social Hub | Dutch women who travel solo prioritize safety over price
‘Room for Her’ study by The Social Hub 
‘Room for Her’ study by The Social Hub
New European research by The Social Hub, conducted in the lead-up to International Women’s Day (March 8), shows that safety is more important than price for Dutch women when booking accommodation for solo travel. 56 percent cite safety as one of the most important factors, compared to 42 percent who mention price. The findings underline the urgent need for change within the hospitality sector when it comes to women’s safety.
2 minutes read
About the ‘Room for Her’ study
The ‘Room for Her’ study was conducted among 2,000 women in eight countries, including 250 women in the Netherlands. It was initiated by The Social Hub to better understand women’s safety during solo travel and to demonstrate to the wider hospitality sector why these issues should be a top priority.
The results show that two-thirds (66%) of Dutch women feel unsafe at night during a solo trip. There is a strong demand for concrete safety measures: 55 percent consider a 24-hour reception essential, 49 percent want better lighting in and around the building, and 44 percent value more visible and approachable staff.
In addition, half of the respondents say they have felt unsafe walking alone at night during a solo trip. 35 percent have felt unsafe while traveling in general, and nearly a third (30%) report having been followed or watched by strangers.
A women-only floor
When booking accommodation, women consider a well-secured room with solid locks (32%), visible staff (32%), and the overall atmosphere of the hotel and its guests (26%) to be important factors. 14 percent even state that a women-only floor would feel like a safer alternative.
According to Amber Westerborg, Director of Sustainability & Impact at The Social Hub, the hospitality sector is still at an early stage when it comes to women’s safety. With this study, the brand aims to spark conversation within the industry and encourage concrete action. “Women should not have to adjust their behaviour or limit their ambitions because they feel unsafe,” says Amber Westerborg.
Giving safety a more prominent role
Under the ‘Room for Her’ initiative, The Social Hub is giving safety a more prominent place within its organisation. Measures include a 24/7 community host in the reception, evening security, and staff training on how to handle safety-related issues professionally.
At a time when femicide and misogyny are pressing global issues, The Social Hub, operating 21 hotels in European cities including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome and Glasgow, calls on the hospitality sector to step forward and take greater responsibility for the safety of all guests.
We have written about more initiatives from The Social Hub, including the ‘Shout it from our roof’initiative’ and the ‘Room for Change’ initiative’.
Website: The social hub
