Silversea Cruises supports the WTTC's work against human trafficking and participates in its working groups.
To commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is calling on governments around the world to adopt stronger measures in the fight against human trafficking, and specifically to support travel and tourism initiatives that aim to curb this illicit activity.
Human trafficking generates approximately $150 billion in illegal profits annually. Comparatively, that's equivalent to Brazil's entire tourism economy ($152.5 billion).
Human trafficking relies on the travel industry to operate—not only across borders but also within them—using legitimate operations to illegally move people and ultimately exploit vulnerable individuals and children. In an effort to eliminate both the activity and its profits, the WTTC formed a Working Group against Human Trafficking, which was launched at the Global Summit in 2019.
Recognizing that many WTTC member companies and industry associations are already very active in this fight, the Working Group's objective is to leverage our position to facilitate information sharing and coordinate efforts across the private sector, while strengthening cooperation with the public and civil society sectors.
Working Group members include AIG Travel, Airbnb, American Express Global Business Travel, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, Ctrip International, Carlson/CWT, Emirates, Expedia Group, Hilton, Ingle International Inc., JTB Corp, Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority, Marriott International, Saber Corporation, Silversea Cruises, Thomas Cook Group, TUI Group and Uber.
The Working Group will help eradicate human trafficking through activities focused on:
- Prevention: To raise awareness among industry and consumers about human trafficking. It is proven that the more we know, the more we can do to prevent this crime.
- Protection: to train employees and travelers on how to identify and report suspected cases.
- Action: Encourage governments to enact and enforce legislation that recognizes human trafficking as a crime throughout the supply chain, and develop the necessary resources and support, such as national hotlines.
- Support: to provide assistance, job training and employment opportunities for survivors.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, marked the important day by saying: “I am very encouraged by the work the private sector is doing to eradicate human trafficking. And our Task Force will join the cause, ensuring there is a clear understanding across our industry of what trafficking looks like and how to report it. Now, we need government support and leadership to take us beyond awareness-raising.”
“We have an opportunity to stop human trafficking and protect millions of the world’s most vulnerable and exploited people. Let’s not waste it.”.
Learn more about the WTTC's work on human trafficking: https://www.wttc.org/priorities/sustainable-growth/human-trafficking/
