- Georgia hotels and state leaders meet on human trafficking prevention.
- Hotels and short-term rentals are key partners, state leaders say.
- Hospitality leaders highlight their role in spotting, addressing and preventing it.
MEMBERS OF GEORGIA’S hospitality industry met with state officials at the capitol to reaffirm its commitment to preventing human trafficking. Leaders from AAHOA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association highlighted the industry’s role in identifying and responding to trafficking.
Representatives from the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association and IHG Hotels & Resorts discussed ways to prevent human trafficking with the state’s Attorney General Chris Carr and State Senator Shawn Still. The association leaders emphasized standardized training across the lodging sector and support for policies that protect vulnerable individuals in Georgia and nationwide.
“Georgia is leading the nation in the fight against human trafficking—rescuing victims, prosecuting offenders and protecting those who are most vulnerable in our society,” said Carr. “Our partnership with Georgia’s hotel industry is critical to this effort, with increased training, vigilance and cooperation that helps identify and stop exploitation in its tracks. Together, we’ll continue to send a message of hope to survivors and take down traffickers throughout the state.”
‘A commonsense step’
Still said that hotels and short-term rentals are partners in preventing human trafficking in the state.
“This is a commonsense step to protect vulnerable people and ensure Georgia businesses are part of the solution,” he said. He also called for practical training requirements to help staff recognize warning signs and report suspicious activity.
AAHOA’s Vik Zaver emphasized that the hotel industry reaches millions of people each year.
“As owners, we take that responsibility seriously,” he said. “We’re committed to sustaining these prevention efforts year-round, sharing knowledge across our membership and demonstrating that hospitality means safety and care.”
In November, the AAHOA Charitable Foundation adopted a new charter guiding its philanthropic efforts across four pillars, including anti-human trafficking.
AHLA also pointed out its work with state leaders and industry partners to maintain Georgia’s role in trafficking prevention. Brett Horton, AHLA’s chief advocacy officer, called for partnerships with leaders and law enforcement to prevent trafficking.
“We can better identify the warning signs of trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals by advancing standardized training for hotel employees,” Horton said.
The AHLA Foundation recently testified before the Congressional Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events, outlining the lodging industry’s efforts to prevent human trafficking ahead of major U.S. events.
Industry benchmark
Chris Hardman, GHLA’s president and CEO, said human trafficking prevention training has long been standard at Georgia hotels, setting the industry benchmark.
“GHLA strongly supports human trafficking awareness training in hotels and believes this standard should be expanded to short-term rentals so everyone in the travel ecosystem is aligned in the fight against this crime,” he said. “We want the world to know there is NO Room for Trafficking in Georgia.”
Helena Killingsworth, IHG’s vice president of operations, said Georgia’s partnership with the hospitality industry is key to preventing human trafficking.
“We’re committed to ensuring every colleague has the training and awareness needed to identify and help prevent trafficking,” she said. “Together, the travel industry, lawmakers and communities can create environments where exploitation cannot take root.”
In August, Mitch Patel’s Vision Hospitality Group hosted its fourth annual Red Sand Project with WillowBend Farms in Chattanooga, uniting local organizations fighting human trafficking, including the Family Justice Center and the Hamilton County Health Department.
