Hotels and motels are critical sites for both sex and labor trafficking business operations. Many have stepped up to ensure front-line staff are well trained in identifying potential signs of sex trafficking, but potential labor trafficking occupying the rooms and within the hotel's supply chains may go unchecked.

Yes, human trafficking is a significant issue in the hotel and hospitality industry, often occurring "in plain sight." Traffickers frequently use hotels and motels as transitory "headquarters" because the high volume of guests and staff anonymity allow them to hide victims of labor and sex trafficking. In 2026, industry data shows that a vast majority of commercial sex trafficking incidents occur in hotels, and labor trafficking can be found in subcontracted housekeeping or food service roles. In response, major hotel chains now mandate human trafficking awareness training for all staff, teaching them to recognize "red flags" such as guests who appear fearful, have no control over their ID or money, or exhibit signs of physical injury. Organizations like Polaris and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) work closely with law enforcement to turn hotel employees into "first responders" who can identify and report suspicious activity safely, ultimately making hotels a less hospitable environment for criminal networks.