by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:50 PM ET, Wed July 29, 2026
Hotels Canada is joining the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) in the fight against human trafficking. The two associations signed a memorandum of understanding, formalizing their joint participation in the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) initiative.
"Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires collective action," said Beth McMahon, President & CEO, Hotels Canada. "This partnership will create a stronger, more coordinated international response by expanding awareness, increasing access to resources, and strengthening our industry's capacity to help prevent and combat human trafficking."
The MOU establishes a framework for how the hotel associations will work together, aligning their respective anti-trafficking initiatives as a way to strengthen participation in the efforts and coordinate work across the border.
"Human trafficking knows no borders and our response should not either," said Kevin Carey, President & CEO of the AHLA Foundation. "By partnering with Hotels Canada, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to equipping hotel employees with the training and resources they need to help identify and prevent trafficking. Together, we can build a stronger, more united hospitality industry committed to protecting vulnerable individuals."
New appointments to the NRFT Advisory were also announced: Gerrod Bede, General Counsel of Red Roof, was named as Co-Chair and Accor’s Marina Elsener, Executive Director, Sustainability, Raffles & Fairmont will join the Advisory Council as a member.
For more information about No Room for Trafficking, visit www.ahlafoundation.org/nrft/
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