TRAINING: Trafficking in the Tourism Industry

Human trafficking and child sex exploitation is seldom spoken about in Fiji but tourism establishments are often ideal locations for these crimes to be perpetuated. Indeed, studies done in several countries found that more than 80% of commercial sex (often with children) takes place in hotels.

A local NGO, Pacific Dialogue Limited, in partnership with the BEST (Business Ending Slavery & Trafficking) company in the United States, has developed a training package for businesses (including hotels) that would help staff to recognise the signs of human and sex trafficking and provide staff with tools on how to handle situations they identify.

The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) strongly condemns the practice of human and sex trafficking so we encourage our members to take advantage of this awareness and training package to better equip staff to make a difference in the fight to eliminate these practices and protect Fiji’s young people.

Pacific Dialogue Limited is a non-government organisation committed to and passionate about working with communities, companies and organisations in raising awareness aimed at stopping human trafficking and commercial sex exploitation of children in Fiji.

The training involves completing questionnaires, listening to speakers and discussion, watching training videos and learning about relevant laws. The information includes real life accounts, scenario enactments in a tourism setting, and recognising behaviours that may indicate trafficking.

The training is over the course of one half-day and participants will be issued a certificate by BEST in recognition of their training.

For delivery within the Suva area – $450 per session

For delivery outside of Suva – $520 per session (an ‘over-night’ rate can be discussed, if required).

If you are interested in running this training for your staff, or if you would like further information, please contact Dr Patricia Kailola, or Ro Keleraani Kunahau, on (email) talanoa.pacificdialogue@gmail.com, or telephone 4500891(o) of 9322417(m)