Human trafficking is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world. It happens in every region, across every economy — including the very places where business travel operates daily.
That reality places a clear responsibility on the travel industry. But it also presents a powerful opportunity.
With its global reach, partnerships, and influence, the business travel sector is uniquely positioned to disrupt trafficking networks, raise awareness, and promote safer, more ethical travel practices worldwide.
Why Business Travel Matters
Modern slavery includes forced labor, exploitation, and the trafficking of adults and children through coercion, deception, or abuse of vulnerability. Traffickers often exploit global transportation systems to move victims undetected.
Airports, flights, hotels, and ground transportation can unintentionally become links in that chain.
During peak travel seasons — such as holidays or major sporting and cultural events — trafficking activity often increases. High volumes of movement can make it easier for exploitation to hide in plain sight.
Because business travel crosses borders and industries, it has the power to interrupt these patterns. Corporate travel programs that prioritize awareness, training, and ethical standards can reduce risk and strengthen prevention efforts on a global scale.
For organizations that move people internationally, this isn’t abstract. It’s operational.
A Long-Term Commitment
Since 2017, BCD Travel has taken a proactive, global approach to combating human trafficking.
Through partnerships with leading organizations like ECPAT and A21, BCD supports prevention, accountability, and education efforts worldwide.
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ECPAT focuses on protecting children from sexual exploitation through research, advocacy, and policy reform.
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A21 works exclusively to fight human trafficking by rescuing victims, providing aftercare, and driving public awareness.
Together, these partnerships help build stronger safeguards across the travel ecosystem.
Internally, BCD’s Human Trafficking Awareness Committee — supported by executive leadership — unites employees across regions and departments. The committee collaborates with nonprofit partners, engages external experts, and ensures insights translate into meaningful action across the organization and its client network.
Learning Through Global Collaboration
Participation in initiatives like Global Freedom Summit, hosted by A21, reflects BCD’s belief that combating trafficking requires shared leadership.
These summits bring together business leaders, policymakers, law enforcement, and advocates to align strategies and accelerate impact.
At the London Summit, sustainability leader Pippa Welch joined global experts to explore emerging threats — including the rise of online child exploitation. The event featured a powerful documentary and panel discussions with representatives from Border Force, the Home Office, and education leaders, highlighting the evolving nature of trafficking and the need for vigilance across sectors.
In November, BCD was represented at the Counter-Trafficking Summit hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with A21. Julie Stuckey, Director of Product Marketing at BCD, joined a panel discussion titled From Awareness to Action: How Businesses Are Leading the Fight Against Exploitation.
The gathering united lawmakers, technology experts, corporate leaders, and survivors to address systemic solutions — from legislative reform to building slavery-free business cultures.
Moments like these underscore an essential truth: no single organization can solve this issue alone.
Moving Beyond Awareness
Human trafficking is complex and deeply entrenched. But change happens when organizations take consistent, collective action — shaping one policy, one partnership, and one conversation at a time.
For BCD, turning awareness into action means:
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Investing in education and training
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Supporting trusted anti-trafficking partners
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Encouraging informed dialogue across the travel ecosystem
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Embedding ethical standards into business operations
Awareness is the starting point. Action is what drives impact.
By leveraging its global network and influence, the business travel industry can help reduce vulnerability, interrupt trafficking routes, and strengthen protection systems worldwide.
Progress may not happen overnight — but it happens when industries choose to engage.
And in the fight against human trafficking, every responsible action matters.
