The Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and its partner provincial associations have rolled out a free training program called “Not in Our Hotel” to help staff detect and respond to human trafficking in Canadian hotels.
Available from Ontario to British Columbia, the initiative is part of a wider effort to protect vulnerable people and stop one of the country’s fastest-growing crimes.
“Hotels are on the front lines of this crisis, and with the right training, we can make a difference,” said Tracy Douglas-Blowers, president and CEO of the AHLA.
“By ensuring every hotel employee understands the signs of human trafficking and knows how to respond, we are taking a stand as an industry to say: not in our hotels.”
According to the AHLA, hotel employees trained to spot suspicious behaviour can intervene quickly and, when necessary, alert law enforcement or management. The program includes online courses with certificates of completion, printable posters for quick reminders, and guides for owners and managers on best practices. The training is intended for all employees, from front-desk clerks to housekeeping staff.
Recognizing red flags
Human trafficking can be difficult to spot because it often hides in plain sight, said Douglas-Blowers. She noted common warning signs include guests who appear nervous, avoid eye contact or show signs of physical abuse. Staff might also notice if a young guest arrives with someone who seems controlling, or if an individual pays in cash or switches credit cards under multiple names. Another potential indicator, said Douglas-Blowers, is a guest refusing to provide identification or acting defensive when asked for basic information.
“Recognizing these signs is a step hotels can take to detect and prevent human trafficking, and help its victims get the support they need,” she said.
Encouraging employees to act
Until now, many hotels relied on either brand-specific training or external programs that weren’t standardized. Douglas-Blowers said the new program aims to fill that gap by offering consistent, Canadian-specific guidance.
She encouraged workers who suspect something is wrong to trust their instincts and report concerns to managers or security rather than trying to verify incidents on their own. “Staff don’t need to ‘prove’ trafficking is happening — they only need to report suspicions,” she said. “Hotels should have a clear protocol to discreetly notify a supervisor or security, who can assess the situation and escalate it.”
Creating a supportive culture
Empowering staff to speak up starts with education and strong leadership, said Douglas-Blowers. Employees should know their concerns will be taken seriously and that they have management’s support. She recommended that hotels include human trafficking awareness in onboarding, along with annual refresher courses.
“Hotel staff should never confront suspected traffickers or victims directly,” she said. “This could put both employees and the victim in danger. Instead, they should document what they see and follow internal reporting protocols.”
In an immediate danger situation, calling 911 is the top priority. For non-emergencies, staff can contact local human trafficking hotlines or law enforcement. Douglas-Blowers also warned that hotels ignoring trafficking could face legal and reputational risks. “Hotels have a duty of care to guests, and failing to report signs of trafficking could lead to liability issues. More importantly, ignoring trafficking allows exploitation to continue.”
Industry voices
Linda Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, said Canadian hotels are known worldwide for their hospitality, but criminals involved in human trafficking should know they are not welcome.
“The victims of human trafficking need our help, and your anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers can make a real difference,” said Annis. “Please speak up, because the victims cannot.”
Not in Our Hotel has also received support from businesses such as Western Financial Group, which is sponsoring the program. Matt Friesen, the company’s senior vice-president of central sales, said his company believes in backing efforts that protect communities, customers and staff.
“We’re a proud sponsor of this program, knowing the positive impact that ending this barbaric act will have on many people’s lives,” said Friesen. He added that the free training is an investment in a safer environment for both guests and those most at risk of exploitation.
Taking a broader view
Although the program targets hotels specifically, Friesen advised other sectors to consider similar measures.
“For airline staff, taxi or rideshare drivers, be on the lookout for passengers who look distressed or controlled by someone else,” he said.
“Some companies offer staff and drivers training on recognizing and reporting human trafficking. For those in healthcare, integrating screening questions into patient assessments can be effective, and the Canadian Medical Association has helpful resources. The same goes for pharmacies, first responders and restaurant staff — look out for suspicious activities and report them to local authorities.”
Friesen urged anyone who encounters signs of human trafficking to call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or visit canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca. “By staying informed and vigilant, individuals in any industry can make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking.”
Why it matters for employers
For hotel operators, the stakes go beyond legal liability. Human trafficking can harm a property’s reputation if owners fail to act or appear indifferent. Front-line employees often need reassurance that management will not ignore complaints or punish staff who speak up. A clear internal protocol — backed by ongoing training — sends a message that an organization takes its duty of care seriously.
Employers across different sectors are also recognizing that human trafficking can intersect with workplace safety. When businesses turn a blind eye, they can inadvertently provide cover to criminal operations. The AHLA said its goal is to make it easier for employers, particularly in the hospitality industry, to have a consistent strategy for prevention and reporting.
Spreading awareness
Douglas-Blowers said early feedback from hotels and staff has been positive, with many employees saying they now feel more prepared.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our provincial hotel association partners and sponsors,” she said. “Not in Our Hotel is here to help train every hotel employee in Canada to be part of the solution. Together, we can stop human trafficking before it happens.”
Crime Stoppers, law enforcement agencies and various community organizations are encouraging the hospitality sector to treat anti-trafficking training as a core part of their operations. Posters and reference materials on-site remind staff of the warning signs, which can range from a controlling older companion to evidence of physical, verbal or psychological abuse.
Looking ahead
While Not in Our Hotel began under the leadership of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association, the AHLA hopes to see hotel workers and employers nationwide adopt it. Douglas-Blowers said there is potential for expansion if other regional associations want to offer or adapt the program. Because it is free, more than one organization has expressed interest in making it part of annual compliance training.
“Human trafficking affects everyone,” said Douglas-Blowers. “By educating employees and implementing best practices, we can make it harder for traffickers to operate and protect those who might be at risk.”
For further details on the training, employers can visit tourismworks.ca/training or the AHLA’s website, though the association emphasizes that the real change begins on hotel floors where staff keep an eye out for unusual activity. Early detection and proper reporting can help law enforcement step in before harm escalates.
“We believe in supporting initiatives that uplift and protect our communities, our customers and our people,” Friesen said. “Partnering with the AHLA sends a clear message to traffickers that they are not welcome in our hotels.”
