World Travel, Inc. Partners With ECPAT-USA

Strengthening commitment to anti-human trafficking efforts

Exton, PA – January 6, 2020 - As part of its overall strategic responsible business initiatives, World Travel, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has officially signed ECPAT’s Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) and partnered with ECPAT-USA. ECPAT-USA is a member of ECPAT International, a worldwide network of organizations working to end the sexual exploitation of children.

“We feel as a company that it is imperative for us to do our part in ending this global crisis,” said Maribeth Minella, Executive Vice President and Corporate Council for World Travel, Inc. “Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states; in cities, in suburbs and rural areas. This is why we feel so strongly in supporting ECPAT-USA and The Code. We hope our partnership is able to expand their efforts to end child trafficking and exploitation.”

According to the International Labor Organization, over 40 million people are living in slavery worldwide and 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children. The Code is the world's first and only voluntary set of business principles travel and tour companies can implement to prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. The Code is a joint venture between the tourism private sector and ECPAT-USA that provides awareness, tools, and support to the travel and hospitality industry.

By signing The Code, World Travel, Inc. commits to making progress around six essential steps to keep children safe. The company will: establish policies and procedures; train employees; include a clause in contracts; provide information to travelers; support, collaborate & engage stakeholders; and annually report progress on The Code to ECPAT-USA.