Sandman Hotel Group is proudly emphasizing its sustained partnership with the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) via the 'Not In Our Hotel' program, a comprehensive initiative crafted to enhance awareness and fortify the hospitality sector's capacity to address human trafficking throughout Canada. This endeavor amplifies Sandman Hotel Group's persistent dedication to education and prevention, aligning with wider industry collaborations, including those with the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC).
The Alarming Reality of Human Trafficking in Canada
Human trafficking represents a severe criminal enterprise that profoundly affects communities across the nation. According to statistics from Public Safety Canada, a staggering 3,996 incidents of human trafficking were reported to law enforcement agencies between 2012 and 2022, with a concerning 82% occurring within census metropolitan areas. More disturbingly, nearly one-quarter of victims (24%) in police-reported cases were aged 17 years or younger. These stark figures underscore the critical necessity for heightened awareness and educational initiatives within the hospitality industry, where employees frequently find themselves in pivotal positions to identify potential warning signs and take appropriate action.
Specialized Training Modules for Hotel Staff
The Not In Our Hotel program is meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of Canada's hotel industry, featuring two distinct one-hour online training modules. The first module is designed for frontline employees, concentrating on recognizing indicators of human trafficking and implementing proper response protocols. The second module targets supervisors and managers, addressing a crucial gap highlighted by hotel leaders who may be responsible for receiving and managing reports of suspected trafficking activities. Sandman Hotel Group has seamlessly integrated this specialized training into its broader learning and awareness campaigns, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all hotel teams.
Leadership Perspectives on the Initiative
"At Sandman Hotel Group, we firmly believe that hospitality extends far beyond merely providing accommodation. It is about fostering environments where individuals feel secure and supported," stated Kevin Gilhooly, President & Chief Operating Officer of Sandman Hotel Group & The Sutton Place Hotels. "Our partnership with AHLA on the Not In Our Hotel initiative exemplifies our unwavering commitment to responsible operations, community care, and empowering our teams with the essential tools required to make a tangible difference."
By consistently investing in awareness and training programs, Sandman Hotel Group is enhancing knowledge dissemination across all organizational roles, reinforcing a culture of vigilance and compassion. This approach equips employees to respond safely, support potential victims, and report concerns through appropriate channels.
"By ensuring that every hotel employee comprehends the signs of human trafficking and knows how to react effectively, we are collectively taking a stand as an industry to declare: not in our hotels," emphasized Tracy Douglas, President & CEO of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association.
Industry-Wide Collaboration for Greater Impact
Through ongoing cooperation with industry partners, Sandman Hotel Group joins hospitality leaders in demonstrating to key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and government entities, that hotels are resolutely committed to prevention, early detection, and safeguarding the security of their businesses and communities. This collaborative effort signifies a proactive stance against human trafficking, leveraging the hospitality sector's unique position to contribute meaningfully to societal safety and well-being.
