Education & Inspiration

Human Trafficking Awareness

Very few people understand the realities of human trafficking. The truth is, human trafficking and sexual exploitation happen everywhere. Many cases go unreported and there is no central data source.  As a company, we stand with those who have been affected by trafficking and want to bring awareness to the ongoing problem.

The International Labor Organization estimates that there are over 40 million victims globally; 1 in 4 victims is a child. As professionals in the hospitality and travel industry, we can play a crucial role in preventing human trafficking. Victims are often sold in hotel rooms and transported via airlines, commercial buses and the on-demand economy. 

Alarming Statistics: Understanding the Global Impact of Trafficking

  • Approximately 25 million people are trafficked worldwide. Source: Polaris Group, a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking.

  • In 2020, 1 in 6 runaways were likely victims of child sex trafficking. Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

  • The NCMEC CyberTipline received more than 21.7 million reports with a majority related to child sexual abuse material and online enticement, including "sextortion," as well as instances of child sex trafficking and sexual molestation.

  • An FBI study in 2016 revealed that 52% of all juvenile arrests for commercial sex acts are African-American children.

  • Studies consistently find that 50-90% of child sex trafficking victims have been involved in the child welfare system. Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway.
     



Trafficking in the hospitality industry

Human trafficking is a crime that is sometimes described as "hidden in plain sight" because victims may look like ordinary members of the community. But behind the scenes, they are living a life of modern slavery. They may have entered into the situation under false pretenses and become trapped, or they may have had no choice to become involved.

Victims of human trafficking may not be aware of their rights or even self-identify as victims. Or, in many cases, their fear and trauma may be keeping them from seeking the help they desperately need. That’s where people like you come in. Vulnerable people need others in the community to look out for them and act on their behalf. Ordinary citizens can be the eyes and ears that alert law enforcement to the operations of traffickers.

Due to the anonymous, risk-free nature of our industry, children across the globe are exploited in hotels, ranging from budget properties to luxury resorts. With proper training, we can notice when something is not right and report a suspected case.

We are in a unique position to identify and report human trafficking. 

"Unfortunately, the hospitality industry - including hotels, resorts and airlines - comes into contact with those involved in human trafficking as they commit their crimes. As an industry, we can come together to make an impact by training staff to spot signs of human trafficking and contributing to resources that allow law enforcement to identify perpetrators and prosecute them to the extent of the law," said Michael Dominguez, President & CEO of ALHI. "This is our first step into taking a stand and we are eager to educate our members, clients and colleagues on how to put an end to human trafficking."
 



OUR PARTNERS: THE CODE of conduct AND PACT 
 

ALHI is a proud member and endorser of The Code and supporter of PACT.

The Code, short for "The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism", is an initiative with the mission to provide awareness, tools and support to the tourism industry to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. When your company signs The Code, it makes a commitment to do what it can to put an end to the commercial sexual exploitation of children. JOIN THE CODE

PACT, which stands for "Protect All Children from Trafficking", is on a mission to protect every child’s right to grow up free from child sexual exploitation and trafficking through education, legislative advocacy and partnerships. PACT empowers youth and communities, advocates for policy change, and develops strong and sustainable partnerships to educate and raise awareness on child human trafficking. SIGN UP TO PACT

Human Trafficking Blogs

Authorities Continue Fight Against Human Trafficking Jan 15
  • 3 min read

Because human trafficking is a complex issue with roots in inequality, the U.S. federal government continues to find new ways to combat it. The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, available to all U.S. states, is continually updated to reflect the ways traffickers…

10 Most Read ALHI Insider Stories in 2023 Dec 11
Industry Updates

10 Most Read ALHI Insider Stories in 2023

  • 1 min read

A look back at the 10 most read stories from the ALHI Insider newsletter in 2023. 1. Planners Get Creative in Wake of Price Increases 2. Human Trafficking Survivor Shares Story 3. Pickleball Draws Hotels' Interest 4. GMID Unites Meeting Industry for Day of Advocacy 5…

PACT, UN Partner on Human Trafficking Awareness Nov 10
Human Trafficking

PACT, UN Partner on Human Trafficking Awareness

  • 3 min read

PACT is always looking for new partners in the fight to eliminate the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. It's in their name -- Partners Against Child Trafficking -- and in their daily work. The organization took this search in a fresh direction when they teamed…

Sister Kathleen Bryant Devoted to Aiding Human Trafficking Survivors Oct 12
  • 4 min read

Editor’s note: This article first published in the summer edition of Beyond the Meeting Room , ALHI’s printed magazine, a luxury lifestyle publication focused on sharing compelling, inspirational and educational stories from beyond the four walls of a meeting room…

Shedding Light on Human Trafficking Sep 13
The Code

Shedding Light on Human Trafficking

  • 4 min read

Editor’s note: This article first published in the spring edition of Beyond the Meeting Room , ALHI’s printed magazine, a luxury lifestyle publication focused on sharing compelling, inspirational and educational stories from beyond the four walls of a meeting room…

Human Trafficking Survivor Shares Her Story Jan 10
  • 7 min read

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, observed on Wednesday, Jan. 11, are intended to raise awareness and provide education on the prevention of human trafficking. ALHI is a proud member and endorser of The Tourism…

Top 10: Most Read ALHI Insider Stories in 2022 Dec 06
  • 1 min read

Here’s a look back at the 10 most read stories from the ALHI Insider newsletter in 2022. 1. Interview with a Planner: How the Delos Wellness Certificate Can Improve the Meetings Experience 2. Group Incentive Travel is Back in a Big Way 3. Delos Nutrition Expert Offers…

ECPAT-USA Honors Leaders in Anti-Trafficking Movement Jul 15
  • 1 min read

ECPAT-USA, the leading anti-child trafficking organization seeking to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children in the U.S., will honor four leaders in the anti-trafficking movement at its annual Freedom Awards benefit this September. The recipients of this year’s…

Knowledge Key to Prevention in Fight Against Human Trafficking Jul 15
  • 8 min read

Human trafficking is called a modern-day form of slavery, and it is a scourge that knows no boundaries. For all the progress that has been made in raising awareness to the horrors of human trafficking, sadly, the notion persists that human trafficking only happens somewhere else…

ALHI Stands and Observes National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Dec 23
  • 3 min read

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 raises awareness of the persistent issue of human trafficking. Though the entire month of January has already been recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this day is specifically dedicated to…

ALHI Stands with World Day Against Trafficking Jun 24
  • 1 min read

July 30th marks World Day Against Trafficking, created by the United Nations to bring awareness to human trafficking and how it affects people around the world. This day commemorates those who have been affected, as well as those on the front lines working to stop and prevent…

How to Identify Human Trafficking in Hospitality Mar 25
  • 2 min read

ALHI and The Code are here to help you get the resources YOU need to help identify trafficking in our industry. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are over 40 million victims globally, 1 in 4 victims is a child. Victims are sold in the sex industry across…

ALHI & The Code - FAQ's To Get You in The Know Mar 19
  • 1 min read

This year and beyond, ALHI is taking a stand to fight again exploitation and trafficking of children. ALHI is now a proud member and endorser of The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct. ALHI is an official member of The Code. Q. What is The Code? The Code (short for…