ECPAT-USA and THE CODE Announce 2017 US Top Members

The Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) recently announced their 2017 Top Member companies. Eight companies, two based in the United States, are newly-recognized as Top Members for their “exceptional work to integrate child protection practices into their businesses.” In total, twenty Top Members are based in the United States and are guided through their membership and implementation with the support of Local Code Representative, ECPAT-USA.

The Code is a set of six voluntary guidelines that travel and tourism companies implement to comprehensively and proactively combat the commercial sexual exploitation of children. In order for a company to be recognized as a Top Member, companies must implement all six of The Code criteria within their business operations and report publicly on TheCode.Org website.

“We are encouraged that our Top Members are committed to comprehensive policies and training that protect children,” said ECPAT-USA’s director of private sector engagement, Michelle Guelbart. “The travel industry continues to mobilize on this issue and we look forward to seeing more Code Members join these leaders in 2018.”

The 20 United States 2017 Top Members are:

• Adventure Travel Trade Association (trade association)
• Altruvistas (tour operator)
• Caribe Royale Orlando (hotel)
• Carlson (hotel brand)
• CorpTrav Management (travel management)
• Elevate Destinations*
• EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services (ground transportation)
• Envision Meetings & Incentives (meeting & events)
• Hilton Worldwide (hotel brand)
• Hospitality eResources (hospitality consulting)
• Hyatt Hotels Corporation*
• International Tour Management Institute (educational institute)
• Maritz Travel (travel management)
• Meaningful Trip (tour operator)
• Meeting Professionals International – WA State Chapter (trade association)
• Nix Conference & Meeting Management (meeting & events)
• Platinum Travel & Events (meeting professionals)
• Real Hospitality Group (hotel management)
• Sabre (global distribution system)
• Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (trade association)

* companies newly promoted to Top Member status