Abta members are to be helped in identifying and reporting modern slavery and develop strategies to tackle it within supply chains.
The initiative was revealed to coincide with Anti-Slavery Day in the UK today.
Modern slavery includes activities of forced labour and human trafficking, it can also involve sexual exploitation.
As many as 40.3 million people across the world were victims of modern slavery in 2016 – a hidden crime that is difficult to detect, according to the travel association.
Forced labour may involve keeping someone’s identity documents from them, abusive working conditions or restricting a person’s movements.
Abta’s new online training and guidelines supports members to understand modern slavery, develop strategies to tackle it and train staff to recognise and report it.
An individual may also be forced into labour in order to pay off debts – bonded labour – which can often be a recruitment fee and travel costs to take up the role. Bonded labour is the most widespread form of modern slavery.
The online training is an introductory course which helps staff understand what modern slavery is, where and how it can occur, what to look out for and how to report it.
The training is available to members for free via the Abta Knowledge Zone.
The guidance and training was developed in partnership with Stronger Together, which supports businesses in addressing modern slavery risks.
Abta destinations and sustainability director Nikki White said: “Modern slavery is a complex crime and important matter for the travel industry to address. Sadly, there are millions of victims of modern slavery, in all corners of the world, who are living or working in terrible conditions – and it can be very difficult to detect.
“All industries need to be alert and aware of the risks of modern slavery, and be looking at the measures they can put in place to help reduce this global problem.
“The travel industry is well-placed to work to reduce modern slavery and we hope these new resources will support members to further develop their approach on this critical issue.”
Jantine Werdmuller von Elgg, managing director of Stronger Together, added: “All organisations have a duty to take action to address forced labour and minimise the risks in their businesses.
“It’s also important they recognise that modern slavery could happen in any part of the supply chain, whether it is the person cleaning a room in a hotel, a construction worker building a new luxury complex, or the person preparing a meal at a local restaurant during a guided tour.
“We are pleased to have worked with Abta on this new guidance and e-learning course which will help their members in the travel and tourism sector to mitigate the potential risks of modern slavery for the men and women working in their operations and supply chains.
“Businesses of all sizes can inform their staff and follow the clear, straightforward steps provided in the guidance to help them deter, detect and deal with modern slavery. Today is UK Anti-Slavery Day, we encourage you to take this moment to acknowledge this issue and commit to taking action.”