Ethical Travel

Traveling to a foreign country is a privilege of the wealthy. We should not lose sight of this fact in order to conduct ourselves in a manner that is respectful of local customs and beliefs. This is especially true for travelers visiting third world nations.

Tourists from industrialized countries should take the time to think of their effects in the larger picture. It is arguable in many cases as to whether the tourist dollars spent by wealthy travelers actually outweigh the damages caused by thoughtless actions towards the local culture and social fabric.

The practice of sexual tourism is a case in point. Each year, thousands of men from North America, Europe, and wealthy Asian countries travel to countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand to engage in sexually abusive practices with underage prostitutes.

Tips for travellers

	Be vigilant when you travel to high risk countries. Avoid bars and hotels and other places where you suspect child sexual exploitation might be happening.
	Don't visit red light districts. This encourages the proliferation of child sexual exploitation. Even the most innocent of purchases provides indirect financial support for this crime.
	If you suspect child sex tourism when you are abroad, report it to the local police inform the nearest Canadian embassy, or access www.cybertip.ca to report it. Tell your tour guide and hoteliers. Encourage them to inform tourists that sex tourism is a crime.
	When you return home, let your travel agent and tour operator know of your observations and encourage them to take action.
	Visit www.thecode.org to find out the tour operators and travel agencies that have committed to fight against child sex tourism by signing on to an international code of conduct for the tourism industry. if you can use their services, then do.
	Source: Beyond Borders Newsletter, Issue no. 10, Spring 2007

If you are a travel agent and would like to know more about what you can do to help, please contact us at info@endexploitation.org.