Travel Responsibly: Protecting Children on World Tourism Day
Behind the breathtaking landscapes and diverse cuisines that travel offers us, the dark underbelly of travel presents a much different reality. The growth of travel and tourism can pose significant risks to children when preventative measures are not in place.
In observance of World Tourism Day, we advocate for responsible and ethical travel while prioritizing the safety and dignity of all children around the world, and want to highlight these critical reminders.
Buying children is a crime anywhere in the world – full stop.
As ECPAT International’s 2020 Summary Paper on Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism shares, the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (SECTT) is complex, involving not just tourists, but offenders whose intent is to exploit children.
It is a common misconception that it is acceptable to travel to a different country, where the age of consent is lower, to engage in sexual activity with a child in that country. As seen in a recent case of a former North Dakota state lawmaker pled guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child despite thinking that he was not breaking any local laws.
The sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism fuels demand for human trafficking, with consequences when the law is broken. Federal law prohibits an American citizen or resident to travel to a foreign country with the intent to engage in any form of sexual conduct with a minor (anyone defined as under 18 years old). In addition, the PROTECT Act of 2003 allows for the prosecution of American citizens who engage in sexual activity with a child abroad, even if the act is legal in the country where it took place. Age of consent is often confused with anti-trafficking laws, but is irrelevant in the case of the sexual exploitation of a child by a traveling sex offender, as it is not a consensual relationship.
The sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism is a global phenomenon.
Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines are often highlighted as common destinations for the sexual exploitation of children along with Eastern Europe reporting high incidents. In addition, Western tourists are commonly perpetrators, with estimates suggesting that 25% of offenders are American citizens.
The travel and tourism industry has already implemented practices to take a stand against the sexual exploitation of children. Companies in aviation, hospitality, rideshare, and more have signed onto The Code, which is a joint venture between the tourism private sector and PACT, serving as the first and only voluntary set of business principles that companies can implement to prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking of children.
Major players in travel and tourism must continue to take a stand to safeguard children and lead by example. With more people being educated on the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children, they can know what to look out for and intervene before a situation escalates.
There is power in prevention and education.
To learn more about how PACT collaborates with partners in travel and tourism in child protection, visit here.
Help raise awareness by sharing the message on social media!
World Tourism Day is September 27th, 2024, with this year’s theme being, "Tourism and Peace." The sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism is the opposite of peace. Help raise awareness by sharing the message today!