09/14/2026
Human trafficking can happen in any community, including in hotels, motels, and other settings within the hospitality industry. Understanding the signs and patterns of exploitation can help us identify human trafficking situations, support survivors, and challenge misconceptions. Would you be able to recognize the signs?
Trafficking may look like:
- A guest who appears unaware of the current date, time, or location
- Trash cans containing drug or s*xual paraphernalia, or excessive amounts of alcohol in the room
- A portable massage table in the room, along with unusual lighting or cameras
- Someone displaying signs of substance use
- A guest who appears fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous, resentful, or angry, or who has restricted or scripted communication
- A guest wearing expensive shoes or clothing but carrying few personal possessions, or who does not have possession of their own identification, cell phone, or money
- Unexplained injuries and/or signs of physical abuse
- Someone dressed in clothing that seems inappropriate for their age or the weather
- Signs of branding, such as initials, names, phrases, or symbols
Important: Any one of these signs does not necessarily indicate human trafficking. Look for patterns or multiple indicators, and follow safety protocols when needed.
Sources:
https://polarisproject.org/recognizing-human-trafficking/ #, Hotels & Motels
Shared Hope International, https://sharedhope.org/resource-library/?searchValue=education
