Visual Matrix, a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the hospitality industry, is working with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and its charitable giving arm, AHLA Foundation, to provide expanded access to the organization’s resources and training materials to help educate hoteliers in the fight against human trafficking.
Through the partnership, hoteliers will know of and be able to use free training content developed by Marriott International, in collaboration with Protect All Children from Trafficking PACT (formerly ECPAT-USA) with input from Polaris, two leading non-profits that specialize in combatting human trafficking, with easy access through the Visual Matrix Learning Management System.
Additionally, Visual Matrix will be providing free access to its Panic Button for all MOP users, which are designed to increase worker safety and confidence on property. Once activated, these buttons immediately begin recording audio and video, silently alert other staff members to the worker’s location, and can even contact authorities. Users will have access to Panic Buttons bundled directly into MOP so that workers can have expanded access to the most effective safety tools available today.
“Visual Matrix has chosen to take part in efforts to expand human trafficking awareness by working closely with hotel owners to combat human trafficking,” said Charlie Rhodes, CSO at Visual Matrix. “Our team is invested in the fight against human trafficking, and we want to provide direct support to the hoteliers in a position to make a difference.”
Since it began tracking statistics in 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified more than 100,000 cases, accounting for more than 197,000 victims. With this in mind, Visual Matrix has worked to provide a tool to hoteliers that can combat human trafficking while creating a safer environment for hotel operators and guests. Visual Matrix will continue to develop new features and tools designed to promote safety in the hotel environment, from panic buttons for housekeeping staff to automated notifications when a guest declines housekeeping for too long and educational materials for hoteliers on how to identify and report suspected human trafficking or other criminal activity.
Starting October 28, 2024, Visual Matrix will also donate 1% of proceeds, earned through new MOP purchases to AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) initiative Survivor Fund. NRFT builds on the hotel and lodging industry’s longstanding commitment to combat human trafficking by elevating the issue higher within the public consciousness, educating industry employers and workers to identify and report suspected trafficking on property, and empowering survivors with the support they need to thrive.
“Human trafficking training and awareness has never been more important because it is an increasingly nuanced and complicated issue,” said Eliza McCoy, Vice President of Programs and Impact at AHLA Foundation. “Thanks to partners like Visual Matrix, hotel operators can be more informed on what combination of factors may indicate human trafficking and how to respond effectively.”
“AHLA and the AHLA Foundation have been an indispensable force in the fight against human trafficking, and we are excited to join with them to provide expanded training, awareness and safety tools to hoteliers,” said Georgine Muntz, CEO of Visual Matrix. “We are working hard to provide training material and technology that helps hotels improve not only operational efficiency but also the safety of guests and workers. We are delighted to help support the No Room for Trafficking initiative.”
