Marriott International Launches HotelHelp for Human Trafficking Survivors

Marriott International's New Initiative to Combat Human Trafficking

Marriott International has launched a groundbreaking pilot program called HotelHelp, designed to provide short-term emergency stays for survivors of human trafficking. Announced at the AHLA Foundation’s third annual No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit, this initiative marks another significant step in the company's commitment to anti-trafficking and survivor empowerment.

Pilot Launch in Five U.S. Cities

The HotelHelp program is initially being piloted in Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. By January 2025, it is expected to expand to 25 cities across North America. Marriott's long-term vision includes scaling the program globally and collaborating with other hotel companies to serve vulnerable communities needing short-term accommodations.

“Survivors of human trafficking often face a shortage of dedicated shelter beds that put them at greater risk of being re-trafficked after exiting their trafficking situation,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International.

Proven Success Model

Modeled after the successful HospitalityHelps platform, HotelHelp leverages an online booking system established by HotelSwaps in collaboration with PKF International and the Bench. This system facilitated room donations for Ukrainian refugees, booking over 100,000 room nights in 630 hotels within the first three months of the war. HotelHelp aims to replicate this success for trafficking survivors.

Localized Approach and Confidentiality

Care and service providers can reserve up to five room nights per person through the HotelHelp platform, ensuring the confidentiality of survivors. The program encourages collaboration between local care providers and participating hotels to navigate the nuances of each stay.

Commitment to Training and Employment

One year ago, Marriott expanded its Future in Training (FiT) Hospitality Survivor Employability Curriculum nationwide in partnership with the University of Maryland SAFE Center. This curriculum provides trauma-informed job readiness training for survivors interested in hospitality careers. Since July 2023, over 160 survivors have been trained across 11 U.S. cities.

Advancing Human Rights

Marriott’s dedication to advancing human rights is highlighted by its goal to train all on-property associates in human trafficking awareness by 2025. Since 2016, over 1.3 million associates have been trained. The company’s training modules have been completed more than 1.6 million times industry-wide through PACT. An enhanced version of this training is now available globally through the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

By launching HotelHelp, Marriott International continues to set a high standard in corporate social responsibility and demonstrates a deep commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.