Open the Case, Detective! A Story-Driven Game Approach to Combat Human Trafficking in Hospitality

Authors

• Aili Wu, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Wei Wei, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Lu Zhang, Michigan State University COBFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Aili Wu: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3794-4892

Wei Wei: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5527-2746

Lu Zhang: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7408-193X

Executive Summary

Executive Summary: Human trafficking is a pervasive global crime that significantly impacts the hospitality industry, with several major hotel chains facing lawsuits for human trafficking negligence. As a highly sensitive issue that is often misunderstood, it poses challenges for hospitality businesses to effectively educate their customers. Meanwhile, existing interventions remain limited and largely rely on passive methods, highlighting the need for interactive interventions to help individuals respond effectively. This research addresses these challenges by proposing and testing a story-driven detective game as an interactive alternative. In the game, hospitality customers play the role of a detective investigating a trafficking case in a hotel setting, allowing them to identify suspicious signs and take action. Findings showed that the game improves customers’ knowledge of trafficking indicators, confidence in handling potential cases, and reporting intentions. This report suggests that hospitality businesses use interactive games as a practical tool to expand awareness efforts and support industry-wide prevention initiatives.

Recommended Citation

Wu, Aili; Wei, Wei; and Zhang, Lu (2026) "Open the Case, Detective! A Story-Driven Game Approach to Combat Human Trafficking in Hospitality," ICHRIE Research Reports: Vol. 11: Iss. 4, Article 2.
DOI: www.doi.org/10.61701/591096.407
Available at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/ichrie_rr/vol11/iss4/2