Hotels Play a Key Role in Human Trafficking

By
Barbara Scofidio
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human traffickingOn July 30th, the United Nations will observe “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” to raise awareness about human trafficking.

PACT (the Partners in Protection Program, formerly known as ECPAT USA) is shining a light on the role of the hotel, travel and tourism industries in human trafficking. For example, did you know that around 80 percent of sex trafficking transactions occur in hotel rooms?By providing statistics and insights, PACT hopes to educate individuals and organizations in these industries about the significance of taking action.

Did You Know? 

  • Approximately 1 in 3 victims of human trafficking globally is trafficked through airports, hotels, or other travel hubs?

  • The travel and tourism industry is estimated to contribute to approximately 10 percent of all trafficking cases worldwide?

  • Up to 75 percent of trafficking victims who are transported across international borders have used legitimate travel documents, such as passports and visas?

  • Hotels and motels are frequently used as venues for exploitation. According to a study by the Global Slavery Index, hotels are implicated in nearly 60 percent of the human trafficking cases reported globally.

What Can You Do?

PACT urges organizations to sign The Code, also known as The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct, a unique multi-stakeholder initiative that works toward preventing the sexual exploitation of children within the tourism industry and provides awareness, tools and support. By signing The Code, companies make a commitment to actively combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

PACT’s Partners in Protection Program brings together companies who share a common goal of ending trafficking. By joining forces with PACT, these partners become part of the PACT family.

Individuals can also help. Download PACT’s social media pack to find graphics as well as suggested captions and useful statistics. Use the hashtag #EndHumanTrafficking, and tag @WeAre_PACT to spread the message and amplify the fight against human trafficking.

You May Also Be Interested In…

Human Trafficking Update

How to Spot Human Trafficking in Hotels

New Ways for Meeting Planners to Help Combat Human Trafficking

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Barbara Scofidio
Barbara Scofidio is Editor of Prevue and heads up the Visionary Summits, our exclusive conference series targeting senior-level meeting and incentive planners. In her 30 years in the industry, she has become known for her passion around greening meetings, growing awareness of human trafficking and promoting CSR activities as part of business events. She is currently a member of SITE's Women IN Leadership committee and the media liaison for FICP's Education Committee. She was the first member of the media ever to be invited to sit on a committee by GBTA, where she spent three years on the Groups and Meetings Committee. She has also been an active member of SITE for 30 years, chairing its Crystal Awards committee and acting as a judge. Before joining Prevue in 2014, she served as Editor of Corporate Meetings & Incentives (MeetingsNet) for more than 20 years. She has a BA in Literature/Rhetoric from Binghamton University. Barbara is based outside Boston, in Groton, Mass.

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