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Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing and devastating issues of our time, with an estimated $151 billion global industry exploiting vulnerable individuals for labor and sex. The hospitality industry, often unknowingly intersecting with trafficking, has stepped up to address this challenge head-on. At the forefront is the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking initiative, led by Eliza McCoy, Vice President of Programs & Impact. With a background in law enforcement, nonprofit leadership, and child safety, Eliza brings a wealth of experience and passion to this critical fight.
In this exclusive Q&A with hertelier, Eliza shares her personal journey and leading the AHLA Foundation’s multi-faceted approach to combating trafficking through comprehensive training, survivor support, and innovative employment programs. Here’s how the hotel industry is taking a stand and making a real impact.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with hertelier, Eliza. Can you start by explaining the scope of the issue and why it’s so important for the hospitality industry to get involved?
Absolutely. Human trafficking is a $151 billion global industry that encompasses labor and sex trafficking of both children and adults. In the U.S., identifying the scale is challenging due to fragmented reporting, but one statistic stands out: a 2018 report from the National Human Trafficking Hotline found that 80% of trafficking victims interacted with hotels during their exploitation. This could mean the trafficking occurred on-site or that hotels were used as temporary recovery spaces. Traffickers exploit the privacy and accessibility hotels offer, making it critical for our industry to close these gaps wherever possible.
That is certainly an upsetting statistic. How has the AHLA attempted to tackle the issue?
Back in 2019, we launched the No Room for Trafficking initiative with a clear goal: train every employee in the hospitality industry to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking. Partnering with a nonprofit that provides free training, we’ve seen nearly 2 million training completions since 2020. Initially, there was reluctance in the industry to openly address the issue, as hotels feared it might negatively impact their image. However, we’ve seen a significant shift, with hotels now embracing their responsibility to combat trafficking and proudly leading the charge. This initiative equips hotel staff with the tools to spot red flags and take appropriate action, ensuring no trafficker can exploit our properties unnoticed.
Building on the training, you’ve established a Survivor Fund. Can you share more about that?
In July 2022, we launched the No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund with an initial commitment of $500,000. Today, thanks to contributions from industry leaders and a dollar-for-dollar match by the AHLA Foundation, the fund has grown to nearly $8 million. This fund supports organizations providing survivors with essential wraparound services, such as housing, mental health support, and childcare. These services are critical to breaking the cycle of re-victimization and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives.
One of the most innovative aspects of your work is the focus on survivor employment. Can you elaborate on that?
Yes, employment is key to helping survivors regain independence and stability. Through partnerships with Marriott and other organizations, we’ve developed a curriculum designed by trafficking survivors to train others in hospitality skills. This program prepares graduates for roles in hotels, giving them a fresh start and a sustainable path forward. It’s an incredible opportunity for the industry to step up and offer meaningful employment to those rebuilding their lives.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, how is the AHLA Foundation using this time to amplify its efforts?
January is a rallying point for awareness and action. We’re part of the national "Wear Blue Day" which happened on January 11, encouraging people to show solidarity by wearing blue. We also spotlight the issue through events, partnerships, and educational campaigns. Raising awareness is essential, as it fosters a broader understanding of the issue and how we can combat it together.
What’s next for the No Room for Trafficking initiative?
We’re looking to harness technology to complement human training. Innovations like AI and data-driven tools could help identify patterns of trafficking more effectively. Collaborations with tech partners and law enforcement will enhance our ability to respond to suspicious activity. Additionally, we’re expanding survivor employment programs and building stronger local relationships to ensure every call for help results in effective action.
Wow, such an amazing program and you’ve accomplished so much. How did you get into this work?
I started my career at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office as a paralegal, thinking I wanted to be a lawyer. But pretty quickly, I realized what I loved most was the investigative side of things—getting into the details, following the evidence, and piecing together the bigger picture. That realization led me to attend the Police Academy, and I came back to the DA’s office as an investigator. After 9/11, I decided to move closer to my family and ended up working at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. That’s where I really found my passion for child safety and started focusing on prevention and training, which eventually led me to work on child sex trafficking.
As a parent, this work feels especially personal. I think about my own kids and how important it is to create a safer world for them and for everyone. Seeing survivors turn their lives around with the right support is what keeps me going. It’s been a winding road, but all of it has brought me here to the AHLA Foundation, where I get to put all of that experience and passion to work in fighting trafficking in the hospitality industry. Being a parent myself, I’m deeply driven by the idea of making the world safer for the most vulnerable. It’s not just professional; it’s personal. I’ve seen how wraparound support can transform lives, turning survivors into thriving members of society.
Our industry has made incredible progress in recent years, moving from silence to advocacy, and I’m proud to be part of this shift. It’s a privilege to work with hoteliers who recognize their responsibility to their communities and are stepping up in such a meaningful way.
On a much lighter note, your background in law enforcement is so fascinating. Did your time at the Police Academy ever feel like something out of Brooklyn Nine-Nine?
Totally! There were definitely moments that felt like they could have come straight out of the show. After the Police Academy, I attended what we called "Detective School," which was an advanced course on investigations. Some of the characters I met and situations I found myself in would absolutely fit in a Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode. I’ve always thought they must have had people in the know working on that show because they really nailed some of the dynamics. It’s funny, but also a little nostalgic for me to watch!
Amazing, thank you Eliza!! Clearly, the hospitality industry has a unique and important role to play in combating human trafficking. For more information or to get your hotel involved, please reach out to Eliza McCoy emccoy@ahla.com.