Human trafficking and the hospitality industry

Recorded live, March 12, 2024

Human trafficking has garnered significant attention at local, national, and international levels as a result of heightened awareness and growing concerns about safeguarding individuals susceptible to exploitation. Within this broader context, the tourism industry has emerged as a crucial component of the human trafficking network. Traffickers exploit this industry to transport victims within provinces and countries, utilizing it not only for movement but also for their employment, further perpetuating the cycle of victimization. 

This webinar provides insights into distinguishing between human trafficking and human smuggling, understanding the various forms of trafficking prevalent in the tourism sector, and acquiring the knowledge necessary to recognize specific indicators within the industry. Tourism and hospitality workers can gain awareness as to their role in becoming a partner of law enforcement in combating human trafficking.

Presenter:

Chris Martin, Detective, Saskatoon Police Service

Detective Constable Chris Martin serves as an investigator within the VICE - Human Trafficking Unit of the Saskatoon Police Service. He is a 14-year member that has been with the Human Trafficking Unit since 2022; part of his responsibilities in this role include education. Throughout his career, Det. Cst. Martin has been involved in numerous human trafficking investigations, and has acquired understanding and experience in both the sexual services and the labor trafficking aspects of the human trafficking industry.