- Hilton, Hyatt and IHG created a new online human trafficking prevention program.
- The course includes input from survivors, hotel staff.
- January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
THREE MAJOR HOTEL companies have created a new online human trafficking prevention training program for hotels of every size and type. The package includes input from trafficking survivors to create live-action video storytelling.
Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corp. and IHG Hotels & Resorts collaborated with Protect All Children from Trafficking and Unboxed Training & Technology on the initiative, which is available to independent hotel owners, operators, and brands throughout 2026, according to the AHLA Foundation.
This training launch announcement is part of a series of advocacy and awareness events conducted throughout January in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, according to the foundation. The need for such programs is highlighted by upcoming large-scale events to the U.S. in 2026, such as the FIFA World Cup.
“Today, we’re putting competition aside and partnering across the industry to ensure every hospitality professional has access to the most up to date information and tools they need to recognize, respond and report instances of trafficking,” said Katherine Lugar, Hilton’s executive vice president for corporate affairs and president of the Hilton Global Foundation.
Hilton, Hyatt and IHG are part of AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking Advisory Council. The new training package will be featured alongside the industry’s existing training launched by Marriott International, which has been completed more than 2.6 million times by industry employees since 2020, according to the foundation.
“Through the AHLA Foundation’s NRFT initiative, our mission is to convene the industry to elevate awareness of the crisis of human trafficking, educate the industry, and support survivors on their path forward,” said Kevin Carey, president and CEO of AHLA Foundation.
Input from survivors and hotel staff provided valuable guidance that could deepen the impact of the industry’s existing training, said Joan Bottarini, Hyatt’s chief financial officer and chair of the NRFT Advisory Council.
“That understanding helped us shape and design an updated training to better support and equip hotel teams in real-world situations,” Bottarini said.
PACT will serve as the training administrator and will host the program in English and Spanish on its website. UT&T worked with the companies to design and deliver a scalable, multilingual learning experience. Participants will receive technical support throughout the training, scheduled reminders to encourage completion and a certificate upon successful completion.
Earlier this month 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 emphasized standardized training across the lodging sector and support for policies that protect vulnerable individuals in Georgia and nationwide.
