CHICAGO – The Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA) is recognizing Human Trafficking Prevention Month throughout January, recognizing the key role the hospitality industry plays in identifying and working to put an end to this deplorable crime.
Human trafficking is a billion-dollar industry affecting an estimated 27.6 million men, women and children globally, and a serious public health issue impacting communities throughout Illinois. To place greater focus on the fight against human trafficking, Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation declaring January 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Illinois. This is the latest effort by state leaders to increase awareness, improve education on ways to prevent human trafficking, and make resources accessible for individuals and communities affected.
Led by the IHLA, the hospitality industry has long prioritized working with local, state and national officials to combat human trafficking. This includes advocating for and passing legislation that requires hotel employees to receive training every two years on the warning signs of human trafficking and the best practices for reporting suspected criminal activity to law enforcement, including establishing policies and procedures for identifying and reporting suspected activity, unusual behavior or booking activity to appropriate authorities, familiarizing hotel staff with federal and state laws targeting human trafficking in the hospitality industry, and displaying back-of-house indicator signage to further support and reinforce training programs.
The identification and protection of victims is still challenging due to underreporting, lack of awareness, and inadequate resources for victim support services. The unfortunate reality is that human trafficking is often conducted using legitimate businesses. Because of this, hotel employees are uniquely positioned to help serve as the first line of defense to identify and prevent this crime, and the hotel industry takes its responsibility to stop human trafficking seriously.
“We applaud Governor Pritzker for calling to attention to the issue of human trafficking and the role everyone can play to help raise awareness, prevent crime, and support survivors,” said Keenan Irish, Vice President of Government Relations & Member Engagement, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. “Hotel operators throughout Illinois are proud to lead the effort to combat this crime, and remain committed to working together with policy makers, law enforcement officials and other stakeholders to put an end to this heinous crime.”
About the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association
The Illinois & Lodging Association (IHLA) serves as the essential resource and unified voice for advancing the lodging industry across Illinois. Consisting of more than 500 hotels and their employees throughout the state, IHLA advocates the industry’s position on political, legislative and regulatory issues that have the potential to impact the success of Illinois hotels. For more information, visit https://www.illinoishotels.org/