**ETAP Larnaca Joins EU Project to Tackle Gender-Based Violence in Hospitality Sector**
The Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP) has announced its participation in SAFEHOST, a European initiative designed to combat gender-based violence within the hospitality industry. The project, which was revealed on Tuesday, aims to equip hotels and frontline staff with the necessary tools to identify and address potential cases of gender-based violence effectively.
SAFEHOST is a collaborative effort that brings together organizations from five countries: Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Denmark. The project is funded through the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, which supports initiatives promoting fundamental rights and values within the EU.
A central objective of SAFEHOST is to develop a comprehensive training program for hospitality workers. This program will focus on recognizing the warning signs of gender-based violence, responding sensitively to incidents, and following established safe referral procedures. By enhancing the skills of those working in the hospitality sector, the project aims to create a safer environment for guests and staff alike.
The partnership will also assess existing practices and the challenges faced by hotels and civil society organizations regarding gender-based violence. The findings from this examination will inform the training curriculum, ensuring that it is tailored to the specific needs and realities of the hospitality industry.
In addition to training, SAFEHOST will establish cooperation and referral protocols involving over 60 hotels. This initiative is designed to strengthen the connections between the tourism industry and specialized support services, facilitating a more coordinated response to incidents of gender-based violence.
A notable feature of the project will be the development of a multilingual mobile application that includes an AI chatbot and referral board. This application will serve as a resource for both hospitality workers and guests, providing information and direct access to support services. Alongside the app, a multilingual information campaign will be launched to raise awareness among hotel guests and the broader public about the issue of gender-based violence and available resources.
ETAP emphasized the crucial role that hospitality workers play in identifying vulnerable individuals and incidents that may go unnoticed. Given their direct contact with people who are traveling, working, or staying away from their familiar environments, these workers are uniquely positioned to recognize signs of distress and provide support.
The project includes various partners, such as the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will contribute to the collective effort to enhance the hospitality sector's role in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
As the SAFEHOST project progresses, it is expected to not only improve the immediate response to gender-based violence within the hospitality sector but also foster a culture of awareness and prevention across the industry. By equipping workers with the necessary knowledge and resources, SAFEHOST aims to create a safer environment for all individuals involved in the hospitality experience.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing gender-based violence in various sectors, particularly those that involve high levels of interaction with the public. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, SAFEHOST seeks to make a significant impact on the safety and well-being of individuals within the hospitality industry.