At ALHI, we are here to stand with those that have been affected by trafficking and are continuing to help bring awareness to the ongoing problem. ALHI is a proud member and endorser of The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct. 

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 the world, often in hotels.

• Approximately 25 million people are trafficked worldwide - Polaris Group
• 63% of children victimized had been advertised online - BedBible
• 1 in 6 runaways in 2020 were likely victims of child sex trafficking. Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
• NCMEC CyberTipline received more than 21.7 million reports, most of which related to, apparent child sexual abuse material, online enticement, including “sextortion.” Child sex trafficking, Child sexual molestation.
• According to an FBI study in 2016, 52% of all juvenile arrests for commercial sex acts are African-American children
• Studies consistently report that 50-90% of child sex trafficking victims have been involved in the child welfare system - Child Welfare Information Gateway

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.

The Code is a joint venture between the tourism private sector and ECPAT.

ECPAT International is a global network of organizations and individuals working together to end child prostitution and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of exploitation. 

"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."

Resources to Make a Difference

• No Room for Trafficking Resource Guide - The American Hotel Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation provides a comprehensive guide 
• Anti-Trafficking Hotel Posters & Hotel Checklist - ECPAT USA provides several free poster resources to aid hotel associates in identifying trafficking
• Human Trafficking Identification Training - ECPAT USA provides complimentary training videos to educate on trafficking signs and responses
• Human Trafficking Indicators - Document detailing how to potentially identify trafficking in various locations
• Travel Professional E-Learning - Learn more about how to help prevent human trafficking during your travels
• Online Safety Guide - Important and practical information for preventing online exploitation