CHLA Lodging News July/August 2020

14 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS  www.calodging.com   continued WITHIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, there has been another crisis brewing. While hotels have been grappling with budget shortfalls, staff furloughs, and social distancing guidelines—human traffickers have not taken a break while California has been under a shelter-in-place order. Human trafficking is a crime that thrives on vulnerability, and the current pandemic, as well as its resulting economic effect, is making more people vulnerable. Often, trafficking victims are first exploited as minors. According to the nonprofit organization, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking, the average age of youth to enter into prostitution is between 13–15 years old. The current crisis is causing children to be more isolated at home and spend more time online. At the same time, more Americans are experiencing financial vulnerability. These two realities are making it easier for traffickers to find and groom new victims. So, when tourism begins to reopen and more guests return to hotels as the state eases restrictions, it is essential that hotel security personnel and employees are observant to be able to spot the warning signs of human trafficking. The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) has partnered with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) to provide