Ottawa Tourism has unveiled its comprehensive Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan, solidifying the city’s commitment to fighting human trafficking within the business tourism and hospitality sectors.
This pioneering initiative places Ottawa at the forefront of promoting safety, justice, and ethical responsibility, making it an even more attractive and secure destination for business events and conferences.
The city’s proactive approach comes in response to the growing global issue of human trafficking, and Ottawa Tourism has partnered with influential organizations such as Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT), Voice Found, and The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. The collaborative effort focuses on three core areas: awareness, education, and prevention.
The key components of the Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan include:
- Enhanced Access to Information: Ottawa Tourism is expanding its digital resources to provide essential human trafficking information for the public, tourism industry members, and event organizers. This ensures that valuable resources are readily available for those who need them most.
- Comprehensive Training Programs: Working with industry experts, Ottawa Tourism is offering specialized training sessions to equip tourism businesses and professionals with the tools to identify and address potential human trafficking situations.
- Destination-Wide Assessment: An audit of Ottawa Tourism’s members is underway to evaluate existing anti-trafficking efforts, identify gaps, and strengthen strategies to combat human trafficking in the future.
In a groundbreaking move, Ottawa Tourism has also become an official partner of The Code (The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct), further reinforcing its dedication to responsible tourism practices. This partnership encourages other tourism organizations and destinations to take similar actions, ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations, especially children, from exploitation.
By addressing human trafficking head-on, Ottawa not only strengthens its reputation as a safe, ethical destination but also sets a new standard for responsible tourism. Event organizers and attendees can now choose Ottawa with confidence, knowing that the city is committed to maintaining a secure environment for all.
Lesley Pincombe, Vice President of Meetings and Major Events at Ottawa Tourism, emphasized, “At Ottawa Tourism, we believe that the travel and events industry has a profound responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
By taking a stand against human trafficking, we are not only making our city safer but also setting a new standard for ethical tourism. Our commitment to education, collaboration, and action ensures that Ottawa remains a premier destination where visitors, business event attendees, and residents can feel safe, valued, and protected.”
For more details on Ottawa Tourism’s Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan and available resources, visit Ottawa Tourism’s official website Ottawa Tourism or connect on: Instagram | X | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn
