January is National Human Trafficking Month, and January 11 is National Human Trafficking Day. This time of year is important for raising awareness of human trafficking and refocusing on how we in the hospitality industry can work toward ending this practice, which is currently happening in every country in the world.

In August 2016, Sonesta International Hotels Corporation declared its intent to joinΒ ECPAT-USA, a tourism initiative dedicated to the prevention of the trafficking of children. Since then, we have supported ECPAT by helping to create awareness of trafficking and by educating our hotel teams to be able to spot potential trafficking situations.

During the month of January, we recommit to doing what we can to end human trafficking. ECPAT resources are posted for our hotel employees to review, and we remind all of our team members that part of their employment includes completing an annual course on preventing human trafficking. Throughout the month, managers are also asked to share ECPAT resources with employees during their regular meeting times.

Learn more about Sonesta’s ongoing support of ECPAT-USA as part of our #CultureofCaring.

Sonesta Partners with ECPAT to End Exploitation of Children

Sonesta Observes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – July 30

World Tourism Day Highlights How The Hospitality Industry Can Help End Human Trafficking

Sonesta Employees Observe Shine A Light On Slavery Day

About ECPAT-USA

Nearly 30 years ago, ECPAT-USA became the first U.S.-based nonprofit to work on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children. ECPAT-USA started with sex tourism, helping to get legislation passed that ensured that Americans who traveled abroad to buy sex with minors could be prosecuted in the US for sexually exploiting children in other countries.

As the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children, ECPAT-USA focuses on awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. ECPAT-USA is a member of ECPAT International, a network of organizations in over 100 countries working together toward one common mission: to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children.

Visit the ECPAT-USA website to learn more.