Despite the efforts of the hotel industry, the number of victims of human trafficking increased by 25% globally from 2019 to 2022, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Sex trafficking, the exploitation of people for commercial sex, typically does not occur in low-end hotels but in four- and five-star hotels where conferences are held. Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT) founder Sandy Biback said the key to fighting human trafficking is awareness and knowledge. “This problem is everywhere, in addition to sex trafficking, it also includes labor trafficking and child labor.”
Meeting planners, because they travel frequently, can play a vital role in identifying human trafficking and educating attendees and vendors. Here are 5 things you can do:
- sign code
In the United States, the leading organization is PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), which has created a Code of conduct to protect children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism (referred to as the “Code”).
Companies that sign up agree to develop policies, train employees on detection and prevention, and report on their measures annually. Meeting planning companies that have signed the code include Maritz Global Events, BCD Travel, Atlas Travel, Fox World Travel and Platinum Travel & Events.
- Ask about your hotel’s human trafficking initiatives
Planners can start by asking questions in RFPs about human trafficking programs to restaurants and other vendors, or ask them to provide awareness training.
Many large hotel companies have signed up to the code, meaning their staff have been trained. For example, InterContinental Hotels Group Hotels & Resorts requires all employees at its 4,400 hotels in the United States, Mexico, Latin America and Canada to receive annual human trafficking training.
“By choosing a property with the proper systems in place, you can help curb human trafficking,” Bibeck said.
- self education
PACT offers free training for event planners and organizations hosting large-scale events in 30- and 60-minute formats, as well as a course called “The Room Next Door.”
Modules cover topics such as signs of sex trafficking and how to take action with customers and suppliers, and are eligible for CEU clock time through the Events Industry Council.
- Watch out for signs when traveling
Signs of trafficking may include a young woman in an airport who is not dressed appropriately for her destination or has no luggage, as well as a hotel with a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door for several days and multiple guests coming and going.
“There’s a lot of misinformation out there about human trafficking, which can lead people to look for indicators that don’t actually exist,” said Lori Cohen, CEO of PACT. “If you’re looking for people who are bound, gagged or handcuffed, you’re missing victims of human trafficking.”
- Integrate it into your event
Every attendee can look out for signs of human trafficking. Make it part of your messaging, hang signs at meetings and include messaging on your website.
Consider adding human trafficking to the agenda by inviting speakers or incorporating corporate social responsibility events or charities. Please contact your CVB to identify reputable local organizations, or contact PACT or MPAHT.
To report suspicious behavior, Please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1 (888) 373-7888.
