This important December 2017 report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction.

Human trafficking is a global concern that victimizes countless individuals worldwide. The hotel industry, which traffickers often exploit, is in a unique position to assist in the prevention of sex trafficking; therefore, it plays a vital role in the overall fight against human trafficking. This thesis applies policy analysis and exploratory research to understand how and to what degree the U.S.-based hotel industry can affect efforts to combat sex trafficking.

The results indicate that hotels take a proactive, zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking. Efforts consist primarily of training employees how to identify and report suspected trafficking activities; adopting corporate anti-human trafficking policies; developing key partnerships with non-governmental organizations and government agencies; and supporting programs that help recovering victims gain employment opportunities. Recommendations to improve future efforts include mandating awareness training for all hotel and motel properties, increasing transparency of efforts through annual reporting, and introducing an incentive-based reporting program for the hospitality industry.

I. INTRODUCTION * A. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH QUESTION * B. LITERATURE REVIEW * 1. Defining CSR * 2. CSR in the Hospitality Industry * 3. Legal Responsibility * C. POTENTIAL EXPLANATIONS AND HYPOTHESES * D. RESEARCH DESIGN * E. OBJECTIVE AND CHAPTER OUTLINE * II. SEX TRAFFICKING BACKGROUND * A. FEDERAL POLICY * 1. Prosecution * 2. Protection * 3. Prevention * B. FEDERAL INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION * 1. "If You See Something, Say Something" * 2. Blue Campaign * C. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION EFFORTS * 1. The Polaris Project and ECPAT * 2. The Code * III. HOTEL INDUSTRY'S EFFORTS * A. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL * 1. Corporate Policy * 2. Awareness Training * 3. Best Practices * B. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP (IHG) * 1. Corporate Policy * 2. Awareness Training * 3. Best Practices * IV. CONCLUSION * A. STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT * B. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES * C. RECOMMENDATIONS * D. FINAL THOUGHTS