Research tells us that Hotels and Airbnb properties have sadly become unwitting settings for safeguarding issues such as grooming, domestic violence and trafficking. As a professional in the hospitality industry, your team is uniquely positioned to identify and address these concerns—but only with the right knowledge and tools.

Human trafficking and grooming are pressing issues within the UK hospitality sector. Estimates suggest that at least 100,000 individuals are victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK.

Reports have highlighted that hotels in the UK have been used as venues for child sexual exploitation. For instance, in Rochdale, investigators conducted test hotel bookings to assess whether staff could identify signs of abuse.

Additionally, the Halifax child sex abuse ring involved the exploitation of a young girl in various locations, including hotels in Bradford, Leeds, and London.

These cases underscore the critical role hospitality staff play in identifying and preventing such exploitation. Hotels and Airbnb properties can inadvertently become venues for such exploitation. As a hospitality professional, your team is uniquely positioned to identify and address these concerns—but only with the right knowledge and tools.

Harris Training and Consultancy specialises in guest and staff protection, offering tailored safeguarding training to equip your team with the confidence to respond to concerning activities. From recognising the signs of trafficking to understanding how to report underage activity, our expert-led courses empower your staff to create safer environments for all guests.