Inclusive Hospitality Group introduces the Safe Haven Standard, the world's first conscious hospitality and tourism certification and training network born from a working prototype, Gozo Golden Valley Community Center and Boutique Guesthouse, located in Xaghra, Gozo. Built on the principles of emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and creative connection, SHS transforms hospitality from a service to a form of care, setting a new global standard for safe, soulful and community-centered travel.
Mission Statement
The Safe Haven Standard aims to redefine hospitality by creating safe, inclusive and soulful spaces where every human feels seen, protected and connected. Through training, certification and conscious design, the Safe Haven Standard empowers hosts, hotels and communities worldwide to transform ordinary hospitality stays into havens of peace, respect, and belonging.
Vision Statement
The Safe Haven Standard strives to create a world where every traveler, regardless of identity, can walk though a doorway and feel safe and understood.
by 2029, the Safe Haven Standard will establish a global network of certified Safe Haven Spaces: Properties and communities that embody inclusion, mindfulness and creative connection, beginning with Gozo Golden Valley in Xaghra, Gozo.
Core Values
Safety
Emotional, physical and social security form the foundation of every guest experience.
Inclusion
Every human deserves to belong without question or explanation.
Respect
Hospitality begins with out we treat one another, our guests, and our planet.
Creativity
Art, design, and self-expression are tools for healing and human connection.
Integrity
Transparency, accountability and authenticity guide all actions.
Community
Collaboration over competition. Building networks that uplift everyone involved.
The Problem
For many travelers, lodging safety remains uncertain and inconsistent. People from marginalized, displaced, or underrepresented backgrounds often enter new spaces without clarity around whether they will be treated with respect, care, or understanding.
Without shared standards or accountability, hospitality environments vary widely in their ability to support emotional safety, accessibility, and dignity. As a result, travel can feel cautious and exhausting rather than restorative.
SHS Response
The Safe Haven Standard establishes hospitality as a standard of care rooted in safety, dignity, and respect. Through certification, training, and practical tools, SHS supports hosts, hotels, and tourism professionals in creating inclusive, emotionally intelligent, and restorative environments.
The Standard provides clear guidance, shared values, and accountable practices that help hospitality spaces respond thoughtfully to the real needs of diverse travelers. The result is an experience where people feel secure, welcomed, and able to rest with confidence.
Core Offerings
Safe Have Certification
A formal framework and accreditation system that trains and audits hospitality and tourism providers on inclusivity, emotional safety and mindful hosting.
Partner Program
A structured mentorship program designed to support independent guesthouses, boutique hotels, and tourism operators in integrating the Safe Haven Principles into their operations and guest experience.
Workshops & Training
Educational programs for hospitality, tourism and community leaders to integrate inclusion and conscious hospitality into their work.
Digital Platform
A global hub that connects travelers with certified Safe Haven Spaces, offering courses, listings and a private membership community.
Annual Safe Haven Summit
A global gathering that merges hospitality, wellness and social impact, hosted annually in Gozo.
Who we are
The Safe Haven Standard is a social impact hospitality enterprise and a branch of the Inclusive Hospitality Group. It was founded by Izzy Lavender, owner and founder of Gozo Golden Valley, a creative community villa and boutique guesthouse in Xagħra, Gozo.
The Standard grew from the lived experience of welcoming travelers who needed safety, care, and a genuine sense of belonging. These experiences shaped a practical, values-led approach to hospitality rooted in dignity and emotional awareness.
Today, the Safe Haven Standard provides a scalable framework for the tourism sector, supporting spaces that place people, care, and long-term sustainability at the heart of the guest experience.
Our Market
Hospitality Operators (B2B)
SHS offers certification, training and a partner network to help build brand credibility, staff trainings and inclusivity standards
Conscious Travelers (B2C)
SHS offers a digital platform for verified Safe Haven spaces, emotional safety belonging and authentic experiences
Social Entrepreneurs & Creatives
SHS offers mentorship, workshop and partnership programs to provide insight on purpose-driven income, alignment and community
Why Now
The hospitality industry is undergoing a values-driven shift. Travelers increasingly choose destinations that reflect their ethics, wellness needs, and sense of belonging (INSERT SOURCE). Recent research shows that over 70% of underserved travelers prefer brands that actively support diversity and inclusion. At the same time, the global hospitality market is nearly a €‎5 trillion market and is only expected to grow. The Safe Haven Standard sits precisely at this intersection, blending hospitality with human rights, wellness, inclusion and emotional safety with meaningful stays.
The Anchor: Gozo Golden Valley
Gozo Golden Valley remains the spiritual and operational heart of the Safe Haven Standard. It is a living example of what inclusive, heart-centered hospitality can look and feel like.
Located in Xaghra, Gozo, the Community Center and Boutique Guesthouse features: