Tourism sector urged to help combat human trafficking in Tobago

Tourism stakeholders in Tobago are being urged to play a greater role in identifying and preventing human trafficking as the Ministry of Homeland Security marked World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026 with a series of awareness initiatives on the island.

The Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU), in collaboration with the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL), hosted a stakeholder sensitisation session on Wednesday at the Comfort Inn and Suites Hotel in Scarborough. The event brought together about 50 representatives from the tourism and hospitality sector, including hoteliers, guesthouse operators, transport providers and tourism professionals.

Held under this year’s global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” the session focused on strengthening awareness of human trafficking, improving vigilance and reinforcing the tourism industry’s role in identifying and reporting suspected cases.

The CTU said tourism workers are often among the first to encounter vulnerable individuals or observe suspicious behaviour and are therefore in a unique position to help prevent exploitation.

Participants received guidance on identifying indicators of trafficking, reporting obligations under the Trafficking in Persons Act, and emerging trends affecting Tobago. Interactive discussions also explored how trafficking can occur within legitimate tourism settings and the importance of early intervention.

Secretary of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries, Assemblyman Zorisha Hackett, praised the partnership between the CTU and the Tobago House of Assembly.

Hackett encouraged participants to engage fully in the programme and leave better equipped to identify vulnerable individuals and protect those at risk.

Deputy Director of the Counter Trafficking Unit, Dane-Marie Marshall, said human trafficking often remains hidden because it relies on deception and silence.

Marshall said hotel receptionists, taxi drivers, guesthouse operators, tour guides and members of the public all have the potential to recognise warning signs and protect victims, adding that prevention begins with awareness and strong partnerships.

The sensitisation session formed part of the Ministry of Homeland Security’s expanded observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and marked the Counter Trafficking Unit’s first major operational and public awareness deployment in Tobago since its establishment in 2013.

Activities also included the unveiling of a new anti-human trafficking billboard along Shirvan Road on Tuesday, aimed at raising public awareness and encouraging the reporting of suspected trafficking.

The CTU also conducted an awareness session for about 50 children attending the Destiny Empowerment Global Ministries Summer Vacation Camp in Spring Garden. The session focused on online safety, grooming behaviours, deceptive recruitment tactics and recognising the warning signs of exploitation.

The ministry said the initiatives form part of a coordinated national strategy to strengthen prevention, victim protection, prosecution and partnerships in the fight against human trafficking.