Asonahores and US Embassy partner to combat human trafficking in Hotel Sector

Santo Domingo.- During the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2024, the Hotel and Tourism Association of the Dominican Republic (Asonahores) and the United States Embassy, through the Agency for International Development (USAID), inked an agreement aimed at bolstering awareness and communication efforts to combat human trafficking in tourist zones across the country.

The agreement, an integral part of the “Don’t Let Yourself Go” anti-trafficking campaign, was formally signed by David Llibre, President of Asonahores, and Rebeca Latorraca, Director of USAID in the Dominican Republic.

Rebeca Latorraca elaborated on the alliance, stating that it would entail the development and implementation of programs and training sessions to educate hotel staff about human trafficking indicators, identification protocols, and best response practices. She emphasized the importance of strengthening reporting mechanisms and fostering collaboration among hotels, local authorities, and civil society organizations to effectively identify and assist trafficking victims.

David Llibre underscored the collective commitment of key players in the Dominican tourism industry, including Asonahores, the US Embassy, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Ministry of Tourism, in combatting human trafficking. He emphasized the importance of training tourism sector employees to effectively respond to potential trafficking situations, affirming Asonahores’ dedication to implementing proactive measures to prevent trafficking through widespread dissemination and comprehensive support mechanisms across hotels, airports, and the broader tourism sector.

The “Don’t Let Yourself Go” campaign against human trafficking will be prominently featured in ports, airports, and hotels throughout the Dominican Republic, as well as across Asonahores’ activities, events, and social media platforms. Moreover, awareness sessions on trafficking will be conducted for immigration personnel and staff at member hotels of the association.

The campaign aims to disseminate prevention messages among vulnerable populations and the general public to raise awareness and prompt action against human trafficking. This collaborative effort between the cooperation sector and the private sector seeks to contribute to the eradication of trafficking, a crime that infringes upon fundamental human rights and undermines the social fabric of affected states, including the Dominican Republic.