The Hotel That Supports Refugees
The Story of Magdas
When booking a hotel, you probably run through the typical checklist. Strong WiFi? Check. Breakfast options? Check. Walking distance to that must-see museum? Check.? A comfortable stay is certainly important, but what if that hotel stay could do more? What if it prioritized sustainability? What if your stay helped provide job training to those in need? What if the hotel was not just a place of rest and relaxation but expanded hope and opportunity? Changing the expectation of what a hotel can be, Magdas Hotel in Vienna, Austria, is a business with a mission: Supporting refugees from all countries and all backgrounds. Gabriela Sonnleitner is the General Manager of Magdas Hotel, Austria’s first hotel run as a social business. She recently joined us on The RISE Traveler podcast to explain the hotel’s mission, as well as the triumphs and challenges of running a social business.
Seeking safety and shelter in a new country has long been part of our human history. For those settling in a new country as refugees, finding employment is one of many struggles. As Gabriela explained, it can take years to be given asylum status, and during this time, asylum seekers cannot work. Even after asylum is granted, many highly skilled refugees still struggle to find employment. Luckily, the Magdas Hotel is trying to flip the script, offering job training to refugees. The goal of Magdas is to provide refugees with the first step in a career path, encouraging those who receive training to move on to better career opportunities should they arise. The hotel even offers wraparound services, with an on-site social worker taking care of various needs. Recently, due to the tragic war in Ukraine, Magdas has found an opportunity to assist Ukrainians looking for work. At the time of writing this piece, Gabriela was hoping to have two Ukrainian women start working at the hotel within the next few weeks.
As an example of the amazing work a social business like this can achieve, Gabriela spoke of her experience with Ali, a refugee from Afghanistan. When he came to Magdas, he hardly spoke German, but he was motivated and eager to work. He started on the hotel’s housekeeping team. Ali had a dream of once again being reunited with his wife and child, and thankfully, the social worker at Magdas was able to help. As Gabriela told it, “Our social worker really supported him bringing the family here to Vienna, and we were all very touched at the moment., I think it took him two years until he succeeded, and the girl was already three years. He saw his little girl at the airport, and I think this was so touching for the whole team here… He needed work here in Austria to earn the money to be able to bring the family here, and so he was such an eager colleague. He was eager to learn. He learned the language. He took every chance that he could get.” Ali’s story is one of many and demonstrates the incredible drive and vast potential of those who come to new countries as asylum seekers. He has since left Magdas, as is the goal, and gone on to another job.
Of course, running a social business is not without its challenges. Gabriela also shared a heartbreaking story of a young man who could not complete his job duties due to his mental health. He had experienced much trauma in the past and needed mental health support before being able to hold employment. Many fleeing war-torn countries have unbelievable trauma due to the violence and persecution they experience in their home countries as well as on the journey to their host country and beyond. Gabriela pointed out the tragedy this presents and how running a social business often means making difficult decisions.
While complicated challenges exist, the work of Gabriela and the staff of Magdas Hotel is a model for others. Gabriela noted, “We show or give the proof that this works. And I think we have succeeded because, in the meantime, I have the impression many other hotels also started apprenticeship programs, especially for this target group.” The mission has been a success, and hopefully, social-business models will continue to flourish as consumers begin to recognize the value in booking a stay with a purpose. However, Gabriela said that the best-case scenario would be that one day their model is no longer needed. In her words, “We should not be necessary if all the hotels opened the doors for our new guests here in Vienna. Because why shouldn’t they be trained in other hotels?”
In addition to its work with refugees, Magdas has made a commitment to sustainability. The hotel is filled with upcycled pieces of furniture, and since the hotel is moving to a new location later this year, they had the opportunity to renovate and put sustainability at the center. Gabriela pointed out that “the whole energy system will be sustainable.” To support Magdas through a booking and to learn more about their commitment to serving refugees and promoting sustainable practices, you can catch Gabriela on The RISE Traveler and visit the Magdas Hotel Website.
RISE Travel Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel through education. Programming includes The RISE Travel Institute Flagship Program, a ten-week course offered twice yearly that guides travelers and travel professionals using a systems approach and anti-oppression principles. Additional courses include Experiential Journeys, a K-12 Teacher Training program, thematic short courses, and destination courses. We envision a world where travel is a force for positive transformation for both travelers and travel destinations.
Kara King (she/her/hers) is a traveler and writer who strives to enhance the voices of others. She has developed travel content for Thrillist, Wanderful, and Unearth Women. In addition, she has volunteered at refugee camps in Greece and Serbia and worked extensively with displaced people at the non-profit CAMBA where she managed instructional services and designed holistic programming. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a degree in Comparative Literature.
