Michelle Guelbart, Director of Private Sector Engagement for ECPAT-USA, conducted a human trafficking training at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
WASHINGTON – As part of the hotel industry’s ongoing commitment to combat human trafficking, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) launched a public service announcement (PSA) raising awareness about the No Room for Trafficking Campaign, which unites the industry around a single, comprehensive approach to fight human trafficking.
The launch of the PSA also marks the No Room for Trafficking Day of Action, where hoteliers across the country are uniting and taking action by hosting training sessions for employees, raising awareness on their properties and pledging their commitment to the No Room for Trafficking Action Plan. The PSA is available to view online at AHLA’s website and will be included as part of the #NoRoom social media campaign.
“In the fight against human trafficking, the hotel industry is united in our commitment to being part of the solution,” said Chip Rogers, AHLA President & CEO. “By taking action to provide human trafficking awareness training for our employees and the sharing of hotel industry best practices, we hope to serve as an example for other industries, while finding new opportunities to partner across the tourism sector and those joining us in this important fight.”
Hoteliers play an important role in combating trafficking through raising awareness, improved coordination with law enforcement and ongoing workforce education and awareness. Already each year, tens of thousands of hotel employees are trained on how to identify and act to stop instances of human trafficking. With this campaign and day of action, AHLA builds on the industry’s record by convening the entire sector with the goal of training every hotel worker.
AHLA kicked off the day of action in Washington, D.C. by partnering with ECPAT-USA to host a human trafficking prevention training session for local hotel employees at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
Additionally, as part of the campaign, AHLA developed an action plan for hoteliers to implement, including staff training on what to look for and how to respond; displaying human trafficking indicator signage; establishing a companywide policy; ongoing coordination with law enforcement; and sharing success stories and best practices.
In addition, AHLA will host a series of regional events throughout the year leading up to Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, to raise public awareness and facilitate collaboration with policymakers, law enforcement and hoteliers on best practices for policies, procedures and training to enhance our human trafficking prevention efforts.
AHLA continues to broaden educational resources and partnerships to address employee and guest safety with wide-ranging national organizations that target sexual violence, sexual assault, trafficking and promote workplace safety, including ECPAT-USA, Polaris, BEST, National Sexual Violence Resource Center, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, DC Rape Crisis Center, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Peace Over Violence, RALIANCE, RAINN, Safe House Project, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
