- Arizona recognized the hotel industry’s role in preventing human trafficking.
- Rep. Justin Wilmeth introduced a proclamation highlighting NRFT’s success.
- AHLA said the industry is united in preventing human trafficking.
THE ARIZONA HOUSE of Representatives issued a proclamation recognizing the hotel industry’s role in preventing human trafficking. The proclamation cites the efforts of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association to address the issue.
The bipartisan proclamation, introduced by Arizona State Rep. Justin Wilmeth, recognizes hotel industry efforts to equip workers with the tools to identify and report trafficking through training, awareness and partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations, AHLA said in a statement.
“Arizona hotels are committed to preventing human trafficking and I commend [them]and our local partners for their employee education and training programs,” Wilmeth said. “The hotel and lodging industry is living its commitment to employee and guest safety and the protection of basic human dignity through efforts like No Room for Trafficking.”
Through No Room for Trafficking, an AHLA Foundation initiative, hotel employees can access free training in more than 34 languages to identify and report suspected human trafficking, the statement said. Since its 2020 launch, the training has been completed more than 2.6 million times. The program also provides resources to community-based organizations that support survivors through workforce development and economic empowerment.
Rosanna Maietta, AHLA president and CEO, said the hotel industry is united in preventing human trafficking.
“This recognition from Arizona lawmakers validates the work of hoteliers to train staff and partner with law enforcement and community groups focused on ending human trafficking,” Maietta said.
“From employee training and guest-awareness efforts to coordination with law enforcement and victim-advocacy organizations, the Arizona lodging and tourism industry has taken steps to help identify and prevent human trafficking,” said Kim Grace Sabow, AzLTA president and CEO. “We are grateful to the Arizona House of Representatives for recognizing this work as we continue to protect guests, employees and communities across the state.”
Separately, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corp. and IHG Hotels & Resorts recently launched a new online human trafficking prevention training program to mark Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
