WTTC and 'It's a Penalty' Partner To Help Stop Human Trafficking

Image: A child staring out from behind wooden slats. (photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/mmg1design)
Image: A child staring out from behind wooden slats. (photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/mmg1design)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 3:47 PM ET, Tue July 13, 2021

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and It's a Penalty (IAP), an organization that's dedicated to the eradication of abuse, exploitation and human trafficking worldwide, have partnered to raise public awareness, and work together to fight and eventually end these global crimes.

The two groups today signed a 'memorandum of understanding' (MoU), acknowledging the international Travel & Tourism community's inherent opportunity to proactively take a stand against human trafficking, as well as develop best practices to help stamp it out.

The global tourism body and the activist charity organization will bring their respective areas of expertise to bear in collaborating on major research projects to inform the development and promotion of best practices and protocols.

The strategic partnership will enable collaboration, not just between the two organizations, but also the WTTC's members and IAP's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work with trafficking victims and survivors. WTTC members include 200 chairpersons, presidents and CEOs of many of the world's foremost Travel & Tourism companies from all around the globe.

WTTC and IAP will support each other and their shared humanitarian agenda by contributing to one another's insight pieces and sharing instructive videos and resources to educate and raise awareness among the traveling public about these issues.

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President at WTTC said: "We are excited to enter this partnership with It's a Penalty to broaden the scope of both our organizations' knowledge and influence on the incredibly important subject of human trafficking. We believe that together we will be able to share our collective expertise and continue to shed light and awareness on the horrors of human trafficking. Travel & Tourism can play a proactive and meaningful role in addressing this global crime."

Sarah de Carvalho, CEO of It's a Penalty said: "It's a Penalty is delighted to be partnering with WTTC to combat abuse, exploitation and human trafficking. IAP commends WTTC's global taskforce to help prevent and combat human trafficking. We believe that the platform, partnership and strategic collaboration with WTTC, and the Travel & Tourism industry are essential in order to achieve incredible impact."

IAP harnesses the power of global sports and high-profile athletes in leading awareness-raising campaigns against exploitation and human trafficking. Collaborations and partnerships with strategic stakeholders, NGOs, governments and corporates are key to enabling the success of its overall mission.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...
Upcoming Webinar
Who is Exoticca and bucket list destinationsFriday, October 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover the world of Exoticca and see why extraordinary travel doesn’t have to come with an...
Upcoming Webinar
How Risk-Free Groups with Collette Skyrocket GrowthMonday, October 5, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Group travel is your Ticket to business growth. Looking to grow your travel business? Join Matt...
Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...
Upcoming Webinar
Who is Exoticca and bucket list destinationsFriday, October 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover the world of Exoticca and see why extraordinary travel doesn’t have to come with an...
Upcoming Webinar
How Risk-Free Groups with Collette Skyrocket GrowthMonday, October 5, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Group travel is your Ticket to business growth. Looking to grow your travel business? Join Matt...