The 'CSR facade' of the hospitality industry: The importance of social responsibility in fighting sex trafficking and illegal sex purchases in hotels.

This article examines the experiences of employees in chain-affiliated hotels in Sweden and the Netherlands regarding individual social responsibility (ISR) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in combating sex trafficking and illegal sex purchases within hotel premises. It highlights tensions between employees’ personal moral responsibilities and corporate CSR policies, noting that CSR often serves as a façade aimed at external prestige rather than enabling proactive, multi-stakeholder action. The study emphasizes challenges in cooperation with external stakeholders such as online booking platforms, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and nearby hotels, revealing gaps in training, communication, and coordinated efforts. The authors argue for a deeper understanding of how ISR and CSR intersect in the hospitality industry and call for integrated, actionable CSR strategies involving all stakeholders to effectively address sex trafficking and illegal prostitution in hotels.