As a frequent traveler, should I be concerned about human trafficking?
If you want a short answer: yes!
Traffickers often use travel infrastructure such as hotels and airlines to transport and exploit their victims. They book hotel and motel rooms when setting up encounters between victims of sex trafficking and those individuals purchasing sex, or take advantage of the anonymity of public transportation to traffick individuals for labor. It is therefore crucial for travel professionals like you to know the signs of trafficking to be able to disrupt this criminal activity.
What is this training about?
PACT’s travel professionals training is a 25-minute online training program developed with input from travel professionals, that discusses the intersections between human trafficking and the travel industry. It addresses various scenarios familiar to travel professionals in the travel management industry, corporate travel managers, and the meeting and events industry. We also encourage all professionals who travel to enroll in it, as it provides a comprehensive overview of human trafficking. This training has been made available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
What are the benefits for me or my company?
As a travel professional, taking PACT’s training can benefit you in several ways. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs of trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, and respond appropriately. This can help you protect vulnerable populations, promote ethical business practices, and maintain the safety and security of your clients and staff. Additionally, participating in this training demonstrates your commitment to responsible business practices and enhances your reputation as a socially responsible organization. Upon completion of the training, you will receive a certificate.
Why should I care?
Traffickers capitalize on the lack of awareness around human trafficking within the travel and hospitality industry. All too often, they continue to exploit victims because staff, managers, and executives do not know what to look for. The travel industry is a critical partner in the fight against child trafficking. By being aware of the signs of trafficking and taking action, travel professionals can help disrupt this criminal activity, and become part of a global movement to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
What is the difference between both of PACT’s training programs?
PACT’s hotel training is designed specifically for hotel staff, including managers, front desk agents, housekeeping staff, and security personnel. Our 30-minute and updated 60-minute training educates hotel staff on how to recognize and respond to instances of human trafficking that may occur in hotels. They cover topics such as identifying the signs of trafficking, reporting suspected cases, and establishing policies and procedures to prevent trafficking in hotels. We also offer an 85-minute training specifically for managers.
PACT’s travel professionals training was developed using the input of travel professionals including business travelers and travel managers, thus providing real-life scenarios and feasible responses for those who travel often. However, one does not need to travel often to take this training – it will serve anyone who has ever traveled, either domestically or internationally.
Customize the trainings to your company’s needs
We understand that every company is structured differently. This is why we offer customizations for both training programs. Our goal is to equip everyone to prevent trafficking and make the world a safer place for children.
PACT also offers free tools and resources that can be used in conjunction with the training to help companies combat trafficking and inform clients and suppliers of their commitment.