Sex Tourism & World Cup: South Africa Throws Down Gauntlet
Sunday, 11 May, 2010
0
FTTSA launches child protection code; Cape Town Tourism hits out against human sex trafficking
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), has launched of a new project to institutionalize the Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct ("the Code") in South Africa whilst Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold threw down the gauntlet to human traffickers.
The Child Protection Code, which started as a project of End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes International (ECPAT International), has been developed as a Corporate Social Responsibility tool for tourism businesses and is an industry-driven, multi-stakeholder initiative that seeks to mobilise the tourism industry to protect children at risk of exploitation and report offenders.
While CST is not strongly associated with South Africa as a tourist destination, high poverty levels and growing inequality since 1994 suggest that tens of thousands of children are at risk of sexual and other forms of exploitation.
Domestic as well as foreign visitors may knowingly or unknowingly become involved in child exploitation, for example by transacting sex with an underage sex worker or buying goods from a trader exploiting child labour.
Said Jennifer Seif , CEO: "FTTSA believes that protecting vulnerable children is a critical element of ‘2010 readiness’ and we look forward to supporting tourism enterprises of all shapes and sizes to implement the Code,"
In a separate move, Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold threw down the gauntlet to human traffickers. Du Toit-Helmbold said: “Our message is very clear – we welcome visitors from all over the world. But you will not be welcome if you exploit our women and children.”
She said the protection of women and children, through tourism, was essential.
“When people travel with the intention to exploit women and children, it becomes a matter of interest for tourism. It has to be. We cannot turn a blind eye and just focus on the pretty postcard pictures. There is a dark underbelly in tourism whether we like it or not. And that underbelly needs to be exposed and proactively dealt with,” Du Toit-Helmbold said.
“If we don’t do this, we can’t call ourselves a responsible industry. So, under the auspices of responsible tourism, we also tackle things like sex tourism, child sex tourism, the exploitation of women and human trafficking.”
Statistics around human trafficking are frightening. Figures suggest that within 20 minutes, you can order fast food from any restaurant – and a child under six years of age. “It’s a global problem,” said Du Toit-Helmbold, “And it’s a problem that often goes hand in hand with developing societies.”
“Responsible tourism is about not doing harm to the environment, to host communities, and so on. I am passionate about making a positive difference to tourism, and I think many people, for many years, have turned a blind eye to the ugly underbelly of tourism. But we can’t ignore it – it’s a fact of life. We can’t wish it away. We have to deal with it proactively.”
“We can all talk a good game, but it’s really about developing some practical tools to empower the industry and to empower visitors to Cape Town. “Our message is plain and simple; if you are going to make yourself guilty of irresponsible behaviour, you are not welcome.”
Jennifer Seif added that during the FIFA event, a national campaign to protect children will be ongoing, including messages – specifically designed to help prevent and report child sexual exploitation and other forms of child abuse – targeting tourists.
Valere Tjolle
Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite, special offer at: www.travelmole.com/stories/1142003.php
Valere
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Clearing CSS/JS assets' cache... Please wait until this notice disappears...
Updating... Please wait...
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season