Airports and hotels are flooded with people as travel comes back in full swing. However, with that, an unfortunate truth continues to be one of the greatest issues in the travel industry - human trafficking.
Many may assume that during the height of the pandemic, human trafficking decreased. However, research shows that amid the world's crisis, there has been a boom in trafficking and exploitation. While it feels like everything around us has changed, the dangers remain unchanged.
A basic policy against human trafficking in the employee handbook is imperative to help prevent and combat human trafficking. Companies in the hospitality and travel landscape should consider how these policies and values can be communicated externally, such as including a clause in all contracts that inform partners about the company's anti-human trafficking and child exploitation policies to set a zero-tolerance tone for suppliers.
Potential indicators of exploitation often overlap and are not necessarily proof of human trafficking. Instead, professionals in the industry should look for signs of controlling interactions that may signal a cycle of abuse and control. This could include a gesture or look from the trafficker that provokes fear, threats, insults, or signs of physical abuse.
If there is a suspected trafficking instance, report the incident in detail to a manager, security guard, or national hotline. Direct intervention is not recommended and may escalate the situation.
