Send us a message!Human trafficking is a complex and often misunderstood issue, and one that exists across communities, including within hospitality.In this episode, we’re joined by Betsy Steckler, Regional Director of Partner Services at Booking.com, and Jennifer Easterday, Head of Human Rights at Booking.com, to talk about how their teams are approaching human trafficking through awareness, education, and partner support.From building training programs to equipping operators with practical tools, they share how Booking.com is working to help partners better understand the signs, respond appropriately, and create safer environments for both guests and communities.We then continue the conversation with Philippa King, Deputy CEO of It’s A Penalty, a global non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and preventing human trafficking through large-scale campaigns tied to major events like the Super Bowl and the upcoming World Cup.Philippa shares how these campaigns work, why major events create both risk and opportunity, and how collaboration between platforms, organizations, and local communities plays a critical role in prevention.Across both conversations, a few themes stand out: the importance of awareness, the need for practical action, and the role that individuals, teams, and communities can play in recognizing and responding to potential risks.While the issue is complex, the conversation highlights practical ways to better understand it and take action when something doesn’t feel right.Episode Chapters:03:00 – Booking.com partner services and human rights overview05:30 – Human trafficking awareness in hospitality08:30 – Understanding human trafficking in lodging and guest environments10:30 – How operators and teams can stay informed13:00 – Signs of human trafficking in guest stays18:00 – Reporting suspicious activity and escalation process22:30 – Training and resources for hospitality teams30:36 – It’s A Penalty overview and mission31:00 – How It’s A Penalty campaigns started34:10 – Human trafficking risks during major events36:20 – Types of human trafficking explained40:30 – Real-world example of trafficking in a rental property43:00 – Why human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight45:30 – Practical steps for awareness and prevention47:10 – World Cup preparation and risk awarenessConnect with Betsy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsysteckler/Connect with Jennifer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifereasterday/Connect with Philippa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippa-king-04307b4a/Website: https://itsapenalty.org/✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Streamline your short-term rental operations with Hostfully.Mention the Alex & Annie Podcast when you sign up and get free onboarding ($1000 value).👉 Click here to get started: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/alex-annie/ Reach more guests across top travel sites with BookingPal.Alex & Annie listeners get onboarding fees waived + 20% off the first two months.👉 Click here to get started: https://alex-and-annie-offer.bookingpal.com/ #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #humantrafficking

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related