Sex tourism is a global phenomenon

Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world and a major contributor to the GDP of many a nation, in terms of economic returns derived from the industry.

It also creates employment opportunities as well as serves as support to other sectors of the economy. However, these benefits associated with the industry come along with some vices, as many destinations are confronted with daunting challenges such as sex tourism. This phenomenon is especially prominent among tourists from wealthy countries.

The World Tourism Organisation (WTO), an agency of the United Nations (UN), defines sex tourism as "a trip organised from within the tourism industry or from outside this sector but using its structures and networks, with the primary purpose of sexual relationship by the tourist with residents at the destination." This global body, together with national and regional tourism boards across the world, condemns this act because of the health, social and cultural consequences associated with it.

The sex industry, over the years, has become immensely profitable, providing resources not only to individuals and networks involved but also to governments who have become somehow dependent on it. Globally, 200,000 prostitutes have been recorded, bringing in over $10.5 billion to receiving countries in terms of revenue by 2003 (Leuchtag), and, unfortunately, many of these receiving countries are in the third world, who are mostly vulnerable.

However, the fact remains that sex tourism is largely viewed as an immoral and exploitative domain. The consequences are obviously far reaching: unwanted pregnancies, HIV/AIDS and a host of other sexually transmitted diseases. Globally, sex tourism continues to threaten the tranquillity of destinations; among the list is Thailand. Thailand, apparently, was first made mention of in the West by European sailors, way back in the 16th and 17th centuries. Since the Vietnam War, the country has gained international notoriety among travellers from many countries as a sex tourism destination.

This maybe due to the fact that many Thai men of all levels of society, especially government officials, actively protect and promote the trade. This they do through entertainment related, and media activities. Indonesia is another famous destination for sex travellers, due mainly to the cheap price tag. The fact that many Asian destinations have come up with strong legal apparatus to combat these menace, destinations like The Gambia are becoming alternative points.

We have seen a handful of reports on this in the press. A UNICEF report in 2004 stated that for many of the children involved in the act, the money they derive from this trade are spent on fancy dresses, beach parties, night clubbing etc., with absolutely no consideration for the side effects - HIV/AIDS, exploitation, unwanted pregnancies etc. In addressing this problem of sex tourism, a concerted effort needs to be done, involving all stakeholders.

Thank God that in 2003, The Gambia government legislated a bill, effectively criminalising the sex tourism, and other crimes in the tourism industry. In the same vain, the coming into being of the child protection Alliance, in 2005, which focuses its activities on creating awareness, knowledge and understanding, also added impetus on this crusade.