Hidden in Plain Sight: Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry

Greg DeShields, President, Skål Philadelphia

As President of Skål Philadelphia, I am proud that our Board of Directors identified high-quality, industry-relevant programming as one of the four central priorities in our 2026 Strategic Plan. Aligned with Skål International USA and Skål International Official, we are committed to creating educational experiences that address the most pressing issues affecting hospitality and tourism professionals—and the communities we serve.

Human trafficking is among the most serious and complex challenges confronting the hospitality industry. Hotels and other lodging establishments can become unintended settings for exploitation, placing hospitality professionals in the critical position of recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately. Although employee training is essential, applying that training in real-world situations can be difficult. Staff members must know how to recognize potential danger, follow established procedures, protect guests and victims, and engage the proper authorities without creating additional risk. 

Often, victims are right in front of us but go unnoticed. 

I recall a recent dining experience at an upscale Asian restaurant in Las Vegas. The restaurant was packed with guests enjoying dinner and socializing, yet a young woman seated at a nearby table appeared to be in distress. Something about the situation concerned me throughout the evening, but I could not determine with certainty what was happening. 

I hesitated because I did not want to misinterpret the circumstances, embarrass the young woman, or place myself—or her—in a situation that might become unsafe. At the same time, I left feeling unsettled that I had not known how to assess what I had witnessed or respond appropriately. 

That experience reinforced an important lesson: We may encounter signs of human trafficking or exploitation more often than we realize, but uncertainty can prevent us from acting. When hospitality professionals and members of the public are equipped with accurate information, practical training, and safe reporting procedures, they can make more informed and responsible decisions about when and how to help. 

Traffickers often trick people with fake promises of jobs, financial stability, housing, love, or a better future. Once they have control, victims may face sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, or debt bondage. Traffickers might control what victims eat, when they sleep, their ID, transportation, money, and whom they talk to. 

Many victims do not reach out for help. They might face language barriers, threats, fear of the police, worries about immigration status, shame, financial dependence, or lack of support from family and community. Traffickers also force some to take part in crimes. 

That is why well-trained hospitality workers are so important. They can spot warning signs and report concerns safely. 

Recognizing Possible Warning Signs (The National Human Trafficking Hotline) 

No single behavior proves human trafficking is happening. But if several warning signs appear together, it is worth paying closer attention and taking action. In hospitality settings, signs include:

  • A guest repeatedly requests towels, linens, or other housekeeping supplies while refusing to allow staff to enter the room.
  • One individual reserving, paying for, or controlling access to multiple rooms.
  • A person who appears unable to speak freely or whose companion insists on answering questions for them.
  • Someone waiting in a hotel restaurant, lounge, or bar, repeatedly collected by another person.
  • A guest who does not appear to possess or control their identification, money, phone, or travel documents.

Tattoos or markings that show ownership, money, or control, such as names, barcodes, crowns, or dollar signs. However, tattoos by themselves should never be seen as proof of trafficking.

Hospitality employees should consider the situation as a whole, follow their company’s safety procedures, and avoid confronting a suspected trafficker or attempting to rescue someone on their own.

Silent Requests for Help

According to Steps to Hope, a person in danger may use a nonverbal “Signal for Help” by:

  1. Holding one hand up with the palm facing outward.
  2. Tucking the thumb into the palm.
  3. Closing the four fingers over the thumb.

In some restaurants and bars, a guest might order an “Angel Shot” or use another local code phrase to show they feel unsafe. Depending on the business rules, this could mean the guest needs an escort, a ride, a safe place, or help contacting the police.

Since these code phrases are not the same everywhere, each hospitality business should establish and share its own steps for assisting guests who show signs of distress.

Building a Coordinated Response

Effective efforts to combat human trafficking effective anti-trafficking efforts are built around the “Five P’s”:

  • Protection: Providing victims and survivors with safety, shelter, and healthcare.
  • Prosecution: Holding traffickers and those who profit from exploitation accountable.
  • Partnership: Coordinating the work of hospitality businesses, law enforcement, and government agencies.
  • Policy: Establishing clear organizational practices and public policies.

Hospitality workers should know their company’s reporting policy and report anything concerning a supervisor or manager. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also report suspected trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting 233733.

To promote greater clarity, awareness, and understanding, Skål Philadelphia will present “Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry” on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia. The program will explore the types of trafficking that may occur within hospitality environments, important industry red flags, legal responsibilities, available resources, and appropriate steps professionals can take when they suspect someone may be in danger. Register at Skål Philadelphia.

Awareness is just the first step. Hospitality professionals need to be ready to spot warning signs, respond safely, and connect victims with trained help. By educating staff and building strong partnerships, the hospitality and tourism community can help make sure every guest and employee is treated with dignity, safety, and respect.

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