Expert Q&A with Brittany Dunn: How Hotels Can Prepare to Combat Human Trafficking During Major Sporting Events

Major global events like Formula 1 races, the FIFA World Cup, and other international sporting tournaments bring an influx of travelers, heightened media attention, and increased demand for hospitality services. While these moments create economic opportunities for host cities, they can also increase the risk of human trafficking due to the combination of high visitor volume, cash flow, and transient guests. 

According to Safe House Project, a national analysis of 1,983 cases showed that 49% of victims reported hotels as a primary venue for human trafficking, making hospitality professionals a critical line of defense in identifying and reporting concerns. As a result, hotel staff are often uniquely positioned to notice when something isn’t right. From front desk agents to housekeeping teams, employees may be among the first to observe unusual guest behavior or patterns that could signal a problem. 

We spoke with Brittany Dunn, COO of Safe House Project, about how hotels can prepare for large-scale events and what hospitality teams should know about recognizing and reporting potential trafficking situations. 

Q: Why do major sporting events increase the risk of human trafficking? 

Large events often bring tens of thousands of visitors to a city in a short period of time. With increased travel, temporary lodging, and heightened economic activity, traffickers may attempt to exploit the environment and anonymity created by crowded venues and fully booked hotels. 

For hospitality teams, this means maintaining heightened awareness during these periods. Hotels are environments where staff regularly observe guest interactions, room activity, and behavioral patterns - making them critical partners in identifying potential warning signs and reporting concerns safely. 

Q: Beyond training, how can hotels prepare for large events like F1 or the FIFA World Cup? 

Training is a critical starting point, but preparation should extend beyond a one-time training session. In the weeks leading up to major events, hotels can take practical steps to ensure their teams are ready to respond if concerns arise. One of the most effective steps is ensuring staff have access to safe and simple reporting tools. 

Hotels can partner with organizations like Safe House Project to deploy Simply Report, a platform that allows staff to submit confidential tips if they suspect trafficking. Ensuring employees have the app downloaded and understanding how to use it helps remove barriers to reporting. 

Properties can also conduct OnWatch refresher trainings, which reinforce key indicators of trafficking and highlight why risks may increase during large-scale events. 

Operational briefings across departments - including front desk, housekeeping, security, and food and beverage - can also help ensure teams understand the heightened vigilance required during high-occupancy, high-cash periods. 

Hotels should also coordinate in advance with local law enforcement and event organizers, ensuring reporting channels are established before the event begins. Many properties designate an on-site point of contact during large events who are trained to receive staff concerns and escalate them appropriately. 

Q: If a hotel employee suspects human trafficking, what should they do? 

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, tips from individuals who notice suspicious activity remain one of the most important ways trafficking situations are identified and investigated.

That’s why the most important step is to report concerns safely and quickly - either directly or through your hotel’s designated point of contact. 

Platforms like Simply Report allow hotel staff to submit confidential tips directly through an app. This can be especially important in situations where making a phone call may not be safe or possible. 

In one real-world example, a woman on a flight from Miami to Seattle was unable to safely call or text authorities mid-air. Instead, she submitted a tip through Simply Report. Law enforcement met the plane upon arrival, safely recovered the victim, and arrested the trafficker. 

• If staff notice suspicious behavior, they should never attempt to intervene directly, as this can put both employees and the victim at greater risk. 

• Instead, employees should focus on observing and documenting details such as room numbers, descriptions of individuals, vehicle information, or unusual patterns that may help law enforcement. 

• Staff should then notify hotel security and their designated point of contact so the concern can be escalated through the appropriate reporting channels. 

• If authorities become involved, it’s also important to preserve the environment by avoiding cleaning rooms or disturbing potential evidence until law enforcement has provided guidance. 

Q: What are some key indicators hotel staff should watch for? 

While no single sign confirms trafficking, trained hospitality professionals often look for patterns or combinations of indicators. 

One common sign is control by a third party, where an individual appears unable to speak freely, is monitored closely, or has someone else answering questions on their behalf. 

Physical indicators may also be present, including unexplained bruising, signs of malnourishment, extreme fatigue, or someone who appears fearful or avoids eye contact. 

Hotels may also notice unusual room activity, such as frequent visitors entering and leaving at odd hours, extended use of “Do Not Disturb” signs, or repeated requests for excessive linens and towels. 

Other indicators may include cash transactions with minimal personal belongings, lack of identification, or situations where someone else is holding the guest’s ID.  Staff may also encounter individuals who appear unable to answer basic questions about where they are staying or who defer all responses to another person. 

Recognizing these indicators can help staff determine when it may be appropriate to report a concern. 

Q: What resources are available to help hotels prevent trafficking and support survivors? 

Several organizations are working alongside the hospitality industry to strengthen awareness, reporting, and survivor support: 

• OnWatch Training is a survivor-led program designed to help individuals recognize the signs of trafficking and understand how to respond appropriately. Through real survivor experiences and expert guidance, participants learn how to identify trafficking indicators and safely report concerns. 

• Simply Report empowers individuals to report suspected trafficking quickly and anonymously through an app, web platform, or phone call. The platform connects reports with professionals trained to assess and respond to potential trafficking situations. 

• Beyond prevention and reporting, Safe House Project’s Survivor Support Team assists hundreds of survivors each month as they exit trafficking situations and access critical services. 

• Individuals seeking support can connect with the team by calling 1-833-523-7283 (BESAFE) or begin the process here. 

As global events continue to grow in scale and visibility, including upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 races in cities like Miami, hospitality teams have an opportunity to strengthen preparedness and play an important role in protecting vulnerable individuals.

With the right preparation, tools, and partnerships in place, hotel teams can help ensure that major events remain moments of celebration - not exploitation.