An exclusive interview with Patrick Pacious

We had the opportunity to sit down with 2024 Freedom Awards Honoree, Patrick Pacious, Choice Hotels International President and CEO:

Choice Hotels is a longtime The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) partner. Could you share how Choice Hotels has put The Code’s principles into practice?

Choice Hotels is proud to have been a signatory of The Code since 2015, and I am particularly proud of the work we have done since then to put The Code’s six principles into practice. For example, the second principle addresses training to recognize the signs of sexual exploitation. Earlier this year, Choice rolled out refreshed anti-human trafficking resources, including PACT’s online training. We also made that training an annual requirement for all franchised hotel owners or their manager-level designees, all on-property managed hotel associates, and all U.S.-based corporate associates. This training is also rolling out to our international direct markets and offices.

Are there any other examples of actions, policies, or programs that Choice Hotels has implemented related to trafficking prevention that you would like to share?

Choice is launching a new human trafficking awareness microsite to serve as a hub for our hotels to access resources such as educational videos from our partner organizations and PACT’s “Unpacking Human Trafficking Guide” and training. Choice is also committed to providing emergency lodging for victims of violence and abuse, including human trafficking. We were one of the first hotel brands to work with Safe Stays by ReloShare Alliance, a program that secures safe lodging for victims. More than 90% of Choice-branded hotels in the U.S. are now available for booking through the platform.

What would you say to another private sector leader, particularly one in the hospitality industry, who is unsure about where to start and how to contribute to the fight to end human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children?

I would say you’ve already taken the first step just by asking how you can help. Now, take the next step by reaching out to an organization like PACT, which has tremendous resources and experience, as well as resources to walk you through the specific ways your company and our industry as a whole can contribute to this vitally important cause.

Outside of being presented the Freedom Award on June 11th, what are you looking forward to most about attending the benefit event this year?

I’m really looking forward to engaging with leaders from organizations like PACT that are on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking as well as leaders from other companies in the hospitality industry, so we can learn from each other and share our experiences.

Do you have any final thoughts to share?

The hospitality industry is a people industry. At our core, we believe in taking care of people. Those who are victimized by human trafficking deserve our attention and support. The fight against human trafficking is ongoing and calls for continuous vigilance and collaboration. It is a horrible crime, and we all must work together to combat it.