Travel inequalities: 'Impossible not to face racism on vacation'

The issue of racism during travel has resurfaced, prompting discussions about creating digital tools to navigate potentially discriminatory environments. Early August, Belgian app developer Big Alchimiste announced work on a crowdsourced map to flag "racist" establishments.

This initiative has inspired a counter-proposal: the development of a digital "Green Book" in French. The term references a historical guide used by African Americans from 1936 to 1966 to identify safe lodging and services during segregated travel in the United States.

While overt segregation laws like Jim Crow are abolished, recent statistics indicate a concerning trend. Reports of racial discrimination have reportedly increased significantly in Switzerland, with a 40% rise in reported cases in 2024, and also in France. These figures suggest that challenges related to racism persist, even in contemporary society, necessitating new forms of guidance and awareness for travelers.