Panorama Destination strongly condemns all forms of child abuse and exploitation. In each of the locations in which we operate, the company actively works to support both local and international law enforcement in their prevention and punishment of such crimes. We encourage all clients, partners and members of staff to remain vigilant and look for the warning signs or potential vulnerabilities, so they can report instances of abuse or suspicious behaviour through the appropriate channels. In line with the Tourism Child Protection Code, Panorama Destination provides dedicated training for company guides, drivers and staff, along with helpful information for clients and travellers. By working together, we can fight the exploitation and abuse of children in Southeast Asia.

The sexual exploitation of children is a global problem. According to a study by the UN, more than 200 million children fall victim to sexual exploitation and violence every year. While tourism is not solely to blame for all of these cases, the industry facilitates a disparity in the wealth, strength and influence of adults and children that it brings together. Tourism’s dark underworld casts a wide shadow; according to a 2010 UNICEF report, two million children are dragged into prostitution every year.

For many countries in Southeast Asia, tourism has become a primary source of income; where the visiting currency is King, many will create supply to meet the demand. In many such places, policing is often undermined by corruption and limited in its powers by a lack of legislation. These conditions, when combined together, can create a dangerous environment for children, who are already some of society’s most vulnerable in such places.

Children in poverty, children without parents, children living on the street or those already working around tourists are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation in tourism.

There is no escaping this problem, but it can be resolved if the tourism industry decides to meet it head on. Only by working together and being vigilant can we put a stop to this practice and ensure that tourism has a positive, helpful impact on the places it reaches out to. Panorama Destination has a duty to ensure that all its clients, employees, partners and affiliates contribute to eradicating this abuse and providing children with a more positive picture of tourism.