Human Trafficking Awareness: What Can Planners Do?

Skift Take
Despite efforts across the hospitality industry, the number of human trafficking victims grew 25% from 2019 to 2022 globally, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Human trafficking often does not take place at low-end hotels, but at the same 4- and 5-star hotels where meetings are held. The key to combatting it is awareness and knowledge, said Sandy Biback, founder of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT). “The issue is everywhere, and in addition to sex trafficking encompasses labor trafficking and child labor.”
Meeting planners can play a crucial role in spotting human trafficking and educating their attendees and suppliers. Here are 5 things you can do:
- Sign the Code
Companies that sign on to the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (known as ‘The Code’) agree to establish policies, train employees in detection and prevention, and report back annually on their initiatives. Meeting planning companies that have signed The Code include Maritz, BCD Travel, Atlas Travel, Fox World Travel and Platinum Travel & Events.
- Inquire About Your Hotel’s Human Trafficking Initiatives
Planners can start by including a question in their RFP to hotels and other suppliers about their human trafficking program, or require that they provide awareness training.
Many of the major hotel companies have signed The Code, which signifies that their staff have been trained. IHG Hotels & Resorts, for example, requires that all of its employees across 4,400 hotels in the United States, Mexico, Latin America and Canada take human trafficking training annually.
“By choosing a property that has systems in place, you are helping to curb trafficking,” said Biback.
- Educate Yourself
Leading the charge in the U.S. is PACT, which has free training available for event planners and organizations hosting major events, available in 30- and 60-minute segments, 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 clients and suppliers, and are eligible for CEU clock hours through the Events Industry Council.
- Be Aware of the Signs When You Travel
Signs of trafficking could range from a young woman at an airport who is inappropriately dressed for the destination or has no luggage, to a hotel with a “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging from the door for several days and multiple guests coming and going.
“There is a lot of misinformation about trafficking, which can cause people to look for indicators that don’t actually exist,” said Lori Cohen, CEO of PACT. “If you’re looking for someone who’s tied up, gagged, or in handcuffs, you’re going to miss the trafficking victim.”
- Incorporate It Into Your Event
Every attendee can be on the lookout for the signs of trafficking. Make it a part of your messaging, hang signage at the meeting and include information on your web site.
Consider making human trafficking part of the agenda, either by inviting a speaker or incorporating a corporate social responsibility activity or a charity. Reach out to your CVB to identify reputable local organizations, or contact PACT or MPAHT.
To Report Suspicious Behavior, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1 (888) 373-7888 in the U.S. and 1 (833) 900-1010 in Canada.