As Australians gear up for their summer holidays, a new report from researchers at the University of Tasmania sheds light on the hidden exploitation lurking behind the smiles of tourism workers worldwide. With more than 270 million people employed in the global tourism industry—representing about 8.2% of the workforce—the seamless experiences of check-ins, cocktails, and airport gates often come at a steep human cost. Cleaners, cooks, waiters, porters, and cabin crew labor around the clock to make vacations feel effortless, but experts warn that modern slavery and unfair treatment can hide in plain sight.
The University of Tasmania team, which specializes in studying worker exploitation in tourism, has drawn on ongoing research to identify key areas where abuses occur. In hotels, for instance, the pressure to maintain immaculate rooms leads housekeepers to endure long, demanding shifts, sometimes accompanied by unjust wages or harassment. Global hotel chains face challenges in monitoring standards across countries with varying laws, allowing issues to persist undetected. A stark example came in 2017, when a Sydney cleaning company was fined A$447,300 by the Federal Court for exploiting 51 workers, with the ruling describing some as treated like “slaves.”
One modern slavery expert interviewed by the researchers recalled a particularly troubling case at a “green” hotel, where staff appeared to work extreme hours without overtime pay. “Eco-labels can mask deeper exploitation,” the expert noted, highlighting how sustainability branding sometimes obscures labor violations. Such invisibility extends to the broader industry, where guests return to pristine rooms without glimpsing the grueling conditions behind them.
Migrant workers form a backbone of the tourism sector, from international students to backpackers on working holiday visas, filling critical labor shortages. However, their temporary status often leaves them vulnerable, with limited protections and fear of reprisal if they complain. According to a 2018 study cited in the report, about a third of backpackers, international students, and other temporary migrants in Australia earned roughly half the casual minimum wage. This vulnerability is echoed in a 2024 report from the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre, a not-for-profit community legal center, which detailed similar risks for Pacific Islander workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) visa scheme, including low pay, insecure jobs, and inadequate safeguards.
Official data underscores the growing scale of these problems. Reports to the 1800 FREEDOM hotline, operated by the NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner, surged by 116% in the past financial year, with around half involving temporary migrant workers. “These workers help fill key labour shortages, but their visa status can shape whether they can speak up about unfair treatment,” the University of Tasmania researchers explained, pointing to a systemic issue in how migration policies intersect with tourism demands.
Kitchens in hotels and restaurants emerge as another hotspot for harm, where chefs and staff face intense pressure in seasonal roles. Long shifts in high-stress environments contribute to widespread burnout and unsafe conditions. A survey by the United Kingdom-based non-profit The Burnt Chef Project revealed that four out of five hospitality workers had encountered a mental health issue during their careers. Complementing this, a recent study of chefs in Australia and New Zealand found financial hardship, burnout, and unsafe working conditions to be alarmingly common in the industry.
Beyond physical labor, the researchers expressed deep concerns about child exploitation tied to tourism. This includes sexual exploitation, child labor, orphanage tourism, child trafficking, and enforced begging, often exacerbated in destinations where tourism booms amid poverty and weak child protection systems. Forced interactions with volunteers can undermine children's privacy and heighten risks of abuse. Non-profit ECPAT International warns that child sexual exploitation in tourism remains widespread and is increasingly facilitated online, allowing predators to arrange encounters discreetly.
To combat these issues, the report offers practical steps for travelers seeking an ethical holiday. Before booking, it advises checking online reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, booking websites, Google, or social media. “Travellers often flag poor staff treatment, unsafe conditions, or exploitative practices long before they make headlines,” the researchers noted. Red flags include repeated complaints, suspiciously low prices, or an overall unethical “vibe.”
Choosing community-led experiences is another recommendation, such as local workshops, cooking sessions, storytelling, or guided walks, rather than treating communities as mere exhibits. The report strongly urges avoiding orphanage tourism, which is closely linked to child exploitation, and any activities offering unsupervised access to children, paid photos, or short-term “teaching” by unqualified visitors. Instead, opt for community-run, skill-based programs that empower locals.
Simple questions can also reveal a provider's commitment to fair practices. Travelers are encouraged to ask: Do guides and drivers get regular breaks and rest days? Are staff hired transparently and paid a full wage, not just tips? Do you have a child-protection or responsible-tourism policy? Do staff have formal contracts, and do they receive overtime pay? “Companies that treat workers well should be able to answer these questions confidently,” the report states, empowering consumers to demand accountability.
If suspicions arise during a trip, recognizing signs of exploitation is crucial: restricted movement, fearfulness, lack of identification, few belongings, unsuitable clothing, or someone being closely controlled. Trusting instincts and reporting concerns can make a difference. In Australia, travelers can contact the Australian Federal Police; for immediate child endangerment, local police should be alerted. Internationally, options include local authorities, child helplines, or ethical tourism hotlines.
The report emphasizes that behind every holiday are real people deserving dignity and visibility. For those affected, support resources are available: Lifeline at 13 11 14 for personal issues, the Fair Work Ombudsman at 13 13 94 for pay and conditions concerns, and the Fair Work Commission at 1300 799 675 for workplace bullying or harassment.
This timely warning comes as summer travel peaks in Australia, with families and individuals planning escapes to beaches, cities, and resorts. While the tourism industry contributes significantly to the economy—employing millions and driving growth—its reliance on vulnerable workers highlights the need for greater oversight. Past scandals, like the 2017 Sydney case, illustrate how exploitation can evade detection until legal action intervenes, but proactive consumer choices could shift industry norms.
Experts from the University of Tasmania stress that ethical tourism isn't just about personal satisfaction; it's a step toward broader change. By supporting transparent operators and reporting abuses, travelers can help protect the very workforce that enables their leisure. As global awareness grows, organizations like ECPAT International and local anti-slavery commissions continue to push for stronger regulations, but individual vigilance remains key in an industry often operating out of sight.
Looking ahead, the surge in hotline reports suggests exploitation may be underreported, with migrant workers particularly at risk as seasonal demands intensify. Policymakers and industry leaders face calls to enhance visa protections and enforce international standards more rigorously. For now, the message to holidaymakers is clear: a dream vacation shouldn't come at the expense of others' dignity.