Sex Tourism

Sex tourism is an activity that involves traveling to foreign countries, often in different continents, with the purpose of engaging in sexual activities or relationships in exchange for money or support. It is most prevalent in countries where sex work is legal, and both organized and unstructured forms of this industry exist. The World Tourism Organization of the United Nations recognizes the presence of sex tourism and its complex nature, operating within and outside the established laws and networks [1].

This practice is often considered a transnational issue because it tends to target marginalized populations in developing countries, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia and Brazil. There are significant ethical concerns associated with sex tourism, including the economic disparity between tourists and local residents, the trafficking of women and children, and the exploitation of minors. Such vulnerable groups and individuals are subjected to the prostitution laws of the destination country, which can lead to further abuse and exploitation. It is important to note that engaging in sexual activities with minors is universally non-consensual and illegal.

The sex tourism industry is a lucrative business, generating billions of dollars globally and providing employment for millions of people [2]. Various service industries, including airlines, taxis, restaurants, and hotels, profit from the influx of tourists seeking sexual encounters [3]. Several countries have become popular destinations for sex tourism, including Brazil, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands (especially Amsterdam), Kenya, Colombia, Thailand, Cambodia, Cuba, and Indonesia (particularly Bali) [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Female sex tourism is also prevalent in Southern Europe (mainly Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Spain, and Portugal), the Caribbean (led by Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic), Brazil, Egypt, Turkey, Sri Lanka, India (particularly Goa) [17][18], and Phuket in Thailand, as well as the Gambia, Senegal, and Kenya in Africa [19]. Other destinations include Bulgaria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, Peru, Fiji, Colombia, and Costa Rica [20][21].

The legality of sex tourism presents various legal issues. It is a significant factor driving international travel, and the untraceable nature of these activities, along with limited law enforcement control, can lead to exploitative and unethical situations, especially when it involves minors [22]. The ethical concerns arise from the circumstances faced by the parties involved, as many sex workers come from low-income backgrounds in underdeveloped societies where engaging in sexual services is their only means of meeting basic needs [22]. While some sex workers may choose this profession voluntarily, it is crucial to differentiate between international sex trafficking, which involves coercion, and sex tourism, which takes advantage of the limited work options for individuals in low socioeconomic positions.

Government and law enforcement agencies often prioritize other issues over policing prostitution and sex trafficking [24]. For instance, in Cambodia, the government has overlooked instances of tourists having sexual relations with Cambodian adolescents [25]. It is essential to recognize that individuals engaging in sex tourism can be prosecuted, as the practice supports human trafficking and slavery [26]. Even in countries or regions where prostitution is legal, engaging in sexual activities with minors, human trafficking, and child pornography are universally criminal offenses. Individuals caught breaking these laws can face legal consequences. Moreover, foreign citizens must adhere to the laws of their home country and the local laws of the country they are visiting, including those pertaining to consent [27].

Sex tourism encompasses various demographics, including female sex tourism (women seeking men), men seeking men, adults seeking children, and men seeking women [22]. Sex tourists typically come from developed regions of the Western world, such as the United States and Europe, although they are not limited to these areas. Less developed Asian countries, including Thailand,

the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, and countries in Central and South America like Mexico and Brazil, are commonly chosen destinations for sex tourism [28]. A study conducted by the nonprofit public charity ProCon revealed that the highest rates of men who had paid for sex at least once in their lives were found in Cambodia, with an estimated 59-80% of men engaging in such activities. Thailand followed closely with approximately 75% of men, followed by Italy (16.7-45%), Spain (27-39%), Japan (37%), the Netherlands (13.5-21.6%), and the United States (15.0-20.0%) [29].

Sex tourism is a global issue, with an estimated 250,000 people traveling internationally to engage in sexual activities with children and youth alone. This segment of the industry generates over $20 billion in revenue [30]. Gathering accurate data on the number of people working in the sex tourism industry has proven challenging. Estimates indicate that there are approximately 24.9 million victims trapped in modern-day slavery, with about 19% of them being sexually exploited [31]. It is also estimated that around 21% of the victims of commercial sexual exploitation are children [32]. The US Department of State has estimated that over one million children are trafficked for sex worldwide. The sex tourism industry often preys on the most vulnerable individuals, which may explain the higher incidence of forced participation among children and women [33].

Cultural attitudes towards sex tourism vary globally. In less developed countries, families in poor rural areas may sell their children to human traffickers who transport them to major cities to work in the sex industry [34]. In countries like Thailand, women may support their husbands by becoming sex workers [34]. Engaging in the sex industry, particularly in less developed countries, is often seen as a viable source of income for struggling families from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

In highly developed countries like Australia, where sex trafficking is illegal and strongly policed, cultural attitudes toward sex tourism differ. Brothels still operate in states such as Tasmania and New South Wales, where individuals can exchange money for sexual services. Recent studies suggest that sex slavery continues to occur in Australia, exploiting vulnerable individuals and families from disadvantaged backgrounds [35].

Male tourists, sometimes referred to as “sexpats” (a combination of “expatriate” and “sex tourist”), participate in online communities where they share information and advice about destinations [36][37]. Although it is not the most common scenario, some tourists seek a “girlfriend experience” that may evolve into an emotional relationship [36][38].

Attitudes toward sex work, in general, are complex and often controversial [34]. Many countries from which tourists originate have stricter views on sexual services [24]. Men who travel for sex may do so because engaging in sex work is more difficult in their home countries. Additionally, in countries like Cambodia and Thailand, the practice of engaging in commercial sex is considered commonplace, and men who do not participate may be viewed as unusual by their peers [29].

Although there is significant theoretical interest in sexual tourism, detailed studies on cultural attitudes remain scarce [40]. Despite the increasing accessibility of group studies in the past three decades [41][42], there is still a lack of in-depth analysis of cultural perspectives on this topic.