SEX TOURISM

“Sex tourism” is defined as travel planned specifically for the purpose of sex, generally to a country where prostitution is legal. 

The World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, defines sex tourism as "trips organized from within the tourism sector, or from outside this sector but using its structures and networks, with the primary purpose of effecting a commercial sexual relationship by the tourist with residents at the destination".

This type of tourism has brought social and cultural damage in the countries of origin and destination, because it exploits differences related to sex, age, social and economic status of the populations that live in these countries.

Type of sex tourism:

1) sex tourism “promoted” by those countries in which prostitution is legal.

2) sex tourism taking place in states where prostitution is not regulated by a specific law, but by an illegal system.

Over the last few years, sex tourism has developed due to some reasons: the increasing poverty, hunger, unemployment, and the increase in mass tourism facilitated by the growing number of low-cost flight.

Sex tourism has as protagonists people aged between 20 and 40 years, whereas the majority of victims are young girls between 13 and 17 years of age.

Italy is one of the European countries with the most advanced regulations on child sexual abuse and exploitation. Many laws have been introduced to protect children who are particularly exposed to violence and sexual exploitation. Therefore, Italy has established heavy penalties for people who violate children's right to development.

Another important regulatory document on the topic is the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, adopted by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization. The Global Code aims to promote responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism; protect children against all forms of sexual exploitation, in compliance with international law.



10 Of The Most Popular Destinations For Sex Tourism
Most people plan holidays to escape from stressful everyday life and to have fun or just to stay with their family. However, some people are looking for more of a thrill. Sex tourism, in which the main goal of a trip is to engage in sexual activity, often with prostitutes, is a booming global industry. Below are some of the top world destinations for sex tourism from the article of the website "The Richest". Other nations or countries like Italy are a destination for sex tourism, though less so than the other top destinations.

   

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
CAMBODIA
THE NETHERLANDS
KENYA
THE PHILIPPINES
COLOMBIA
INDONESIA
SPAIN
BRAZIL
THAILAND

…Now we consider two countries of sex tourism destinations but with two different situations...  

Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In recent years there are more and more visitors. Amsterdam is one of the most well-known sex tourism destinations. The sex industry is big business there, and it brings 5% of Netherlands's GDP. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, in fact, prostitution in the Netherlands is legal and regulated. De Wallen is the largest and the most popular red-light district in Amsterdam, it is a destination for international sex tourism.

Tourism is expanding in Cambodia, but not

only for the tropical beaches and temples but for sex tourism. Children from orphanages are exploited by false volunteers. Even though prostitution is illegal, it is continuously increasing for the arrival of Asian and Western tourists. The big problem is that the victims are mainly minors.
In particular, a negative aspect is that some of these children engage in prostitution just to survive even though they are not forced by other people. Another serious problem concerns the girls who are forced into prostitution by their parents because of the poverty that afflicts these countries, especially the sale of virgin women and girls continues to be a problem in Cambodia.

The shame of Cambodians is to see their country slandered by this ugly tourism.



Sitography:

http://www.therichest.com/rich-list/most-popular/10-of-the-most-popular-destinations-for-sex-tourism/?view=all

http://www.osservatoriopedofilia.gov.it/

http://www.dandc.eu/en/article/cambodia-seen- heaven-paedophiles- and-sex- tourists

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/sex-tourism

http://www.travel-conference.co.uk/commentries.php?paper=135#.VyhxcISLTIU