https://praxisprofessional.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/25_0605_bc_hospitality-toolkit-v02-508.pdf
The Department of Homeland Security’s Hospitality Industry Human Trafficking Response Guide is a resource developed under the Blue Campaign to help hotels, motels, and other hospitality businesses recognize and respond to human trafficking. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex, and it can occur right in plain sight within everyday hospitality environments. Because employees in this sector regularly interact with guests and operate in spaces traffickers often exploit, the guide emphasizes how critical staff awareness is in identifying potential signs of trafficking and helping victims. Department of Homeland Security
The guide begins with a straightforward explanation of human trafficking and dispels misconceptions, clarifying that victims do not need to be transported across borders to be considered trafficked under U.S. law. It outlines the psychological and physical forms of coercion traffickers use, and highlights that victims come from all ages, backgrounds, and immigration statuses. This context is designed to help hospitality professionals understand both the breadth of the problem and the vulnerabilities traffickers exploit. Department of Homeland Security
A large portion of the toolkit focuses on recognizing indicators of trafficking tailored to different roles within hospitality operations. For general staff, this includes observing guests who seem fearful, malnourished, controlled by others, or lacking personal control over money or identification. Housekeeping and maintenance personnel are encouraged to notice unusual room activity or restricted access, while front-of-house workers like front desk and security staff are told to watch for patterns such as multiple room reservations, odd guest behavior, or a lack of personal possessions — all of which may raise red flags. Department of Homeland Security
Importantly, the guide doesn’t ask employees to intervene directly with suspected traffickers. Instead, it provides clear reporting protocols, including contacting local authorities or the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line, as well as victim support resources like the National Human Trafficking Hotline. By empowering hospitality workers with knowledge of what to look for and how to act, DHS aims to make the industry a proactive partner in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals. Department of Homeland Security