The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (The Code) have agreed to cooperate in the promotion of child protection practices among tourism companies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlines plans for PATA and The Code to work together to raise awareness of the crime of child sex tourism and further promote The Code. The MoU also offers PATA members the opportunity to join The Code.
The Code provides tools to tourism companies to implement concrete measures to promote child protection practices and responsible tourism. Companies that join The Code agree to take six steps that turn child protection principles into concrete actions that can help keep children safe.
Andreas Astrup, general manager, The Code, said, ?Regional travel associations such as PATA have a long reach. We are thrilled that PATA will use its voice and influence to promote the essential work of The Code and help protect children in tourism.?
Mario Hardy, chief operations officer, PATA, said, ?As taboo as it may be to talk about, the sexual exploitation of children is a problem in some of the regions we operate in. When our members join The Code they will be supported to take concrete actions to protect children while also reassuring their customers that they are socially responsible.?
