Protecting children in Cape Town through tourism

Read more about: Cape Town, children, community, human trafficking, sex, South Africa

Since 2004, Cape Town Tourism has been a substantial contributor to responsible tourism development in Cape Town.

As highlighted in a recent post, Vehicle for good: Responsible tourism takes a clear stance against human trafficking, the organization has taken up the cause against sexual tourism and exploitation – particularly in women and minors.

The renowned industry leader has already begun working to educate member hospitality establishments on the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct – an initiative aimed at protecting the safety of children and prevent the effects of child sex tourism – including human trafficking, child pornography, and child prostitution.

The initiative began as a project of ECPAT International (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes International), and has since been endorsed by UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) and signed by more than thirty-five countries across the globe.

It was launched in Johannesburg on May 9, 2010 by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) who has been tasked with being the driving force behind the initiative, in partnership with funding and advisory partners, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In Cape Town, awareness and implementation of the Code is being encouraged by Cape Town Tourism together with FTTSA. A formal launch date for Cape Town will be set ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ as soccer fans prepare to bring their euros, dollars, and pounds into the country providing short-term temptation to the vulnerable and less fortunate.

Tourism businesses of all kinds are encouraged to join the cause and fight against the exploitation of minors in South Africa and Cape Town. Those businesses that choose to embrace the responsible tourism culture and implement the Code will have to commit to certain measures, namely:
• to establish an ethical corporate policy regarding the sexual exploitation of children;
• to train establishment personnel in prevention measures and Code contact personnel;
• to introduce clauses in supplier contracts stating a common alliance against the exploitation of minors;
• to provide information and help center details to key people at the tourist destination, as well as to travelers; and
• to report back annually on incidents and progress.

For more info, visit www.capetown.travel.

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