It is estimated that nearly 25 million people are victims of human trafficking each year – many of them being women and children. This is a global problem that is far too often swept under the rug. But hoteliers can’t turn a blind eye to the scourge of human trafficking – especially since much of the trafficking occurs in the tourism industry. Here are three things your hotel can do to help.
- Know the signs – is a room being paid for in cash every night? Does a guest check-in but never seems to go to the room? Is an adult visiting the hotel with a young woman, but they don’t have enough luggage for the length of stay? Keep an eye out for the younger person seeming to be nervous or not know their older companion. Be especially wary if they request a parking lot view or a room at the end of the hall. You may also notice someone hanging around the hallways and monitoring traffic near the suspicious room. Trafficked individuals may often appear drugged, malnourished, sleep-deprived or may exhibit antisocial behavior and difficulty making eye contact.
- Report the issue – hotels can report suspected trafficking to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directly by calling 1.866.347.2423.
- Protect the individual – if you are able to confirm a person is a victim of trafficking and have a discreet way to communicate with them, be sure they know to call 1.888.373.7888. This is a hotline for victims.
You Can Make a Difference
A1 American is proud to be a supplier of quality hotel products, especially when we know a hotel is taking a stand against human trafficking. For more information, please download the DHS toolkit for hotels to remain informed and aware as to what further precautions you and your team can take.
