Georgia Leaders and Hospitality Industry Unite to Reaffirm Commitment to Human Trafficking Prevention Efforts

ATLANTA – Today, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and State Senator Shawn Still (R-District 48) joined leading hotel and hospitality professionals at the Georgia State House to reaffirm their commitment to preventing human trafficking.

Attorney General Carr and State Senator Still were joined by officials from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA), and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), and Atlanta-based IHG Hotels & Resorts. Participants discussed ways in which Georgia can continue to serve as a national leader in human trafficking prevention, with a focus on the critical role the hospitality industry plays in helping to identify and respond to trafficking. Speakers highlighted the importance of standardized training across the lodging sector and the industry’s ongoing support for policies that protect vulnerable individuals in Georgia and around the country.

Through strong partnerships with Georgia’s leaders and law enforcement, and by advancing standardized training for hotel employees, we can better identify the warning signs of trafficking and help protect vulnerable individuals. AHLA is proud to work alongside state leaders and our industry partners to ensure Georgia remains a national leader in trafficking prevention. Brett Horton, Chief Advocacy Officer of the American Hotel & Lodging Association

Georgia is leading the nation in the fight against human trafficking – rescuing victims, prosecuting offenders, and protecting those who are most vulnerable in our society. Our partnership with Georgia’s hotel industry is critical to this effort, with increased training, vigilance, and cooperation that helps to identify and stop exploitation in its tracks. Together, we’ll continue to send a message of hope to survivors and take down traffickers throughout the state. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr

Hotels and short-term rentals are key partners in Georgia’s efforts to prevent human trafficking, said Senator Shawn Still. That’s why I support strong, practical training requirements to help staff recognize the warning signs and know how to report suspicious activity. This is a commonsense step to protect vulnerable people and ensure Georgia businesses are part of the solution.

Human trafficking prevention training has long been standard practice at many Georgia hotels, and our industry has led the way in setting that bar. The Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association strongly supports human trafficking awareness training in hotels and believes that this training standard should be expanded to short-term rentals so that everyone in the travel ecosystem is aligned in the fight against this crime. We want the world to know there is NO Room for Trafficking in Georgia. Chris Hardman, President and CEO of the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association

The hotel industry touches millions of lives every year, said Vik Zaver from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. As owners, we take that responsibility seriously. We're committed to sustaining these prevention efforts year-round, sharing knowledge across our membership, and demonstrating that hospitality means safety and care.

Georgia’s leadership and close collaboration with the hospitality industry are vital to preventing human trafficking. At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we’re committed to ensuring every colleague has the training and awareness needed to identify and help prevent trafficking. Together, the travel industry, lawmakers, and communities can create environments where exploitation cannot take root. Helena Killingsworth, Vice President, Operations at IHG Hotels & Resorts

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.