abstract:Child sex tourism (CST) is tourism for the purpose of engaging in the prostitution of children, that is commercially facilitated child sexual abuse. Child sex tourism results in both mental and physical consequences for the exploited children, that may include "disease (including HIV/AIDS), drug addiction, pregnancy, malnutrition, social ostracism, and possibly death", according to the State Department of the United States.
For instance, Accor, the worldwide hotel group that includes the Novotel and Sofitel brands, puts up posters on childsextourism in its hotels and hosts events to raise awareness in Thailand.
Travellers can play their part, too, by being aware of suspicious activity and supporting companies that have taken a stand against sextourism and child exploitation.