Every day, in hotels across the world—from luxury resorts to budget motels—a crime of unimaginable cruelty is taking place, usually unseen. Behind closed doors, in rooms meant for rest and hospitality, lives are being exploited in a multibillion-dollar industry that thrives in the dark: human trafficking.
For too long, trafficking has been seen as someone else’s problem—a societal issue best left to law enforcement or nonprofit organizations. But the day for action is long past—for the hotel industry especially.
A 2018 study from the Polaris Project found that 80% of all sex trafficking incidents occur in hotels. Failure to take a stand against human trafficking can result in legal liabilities, lost revenue and sweeping reputational damage. Furthermore, guests and employees could be at risk the longer we delay in taking proactive measures…