Sex Tourism Research Articles

Liminality and the Sex Worker in Michel Houellebecq's Platform

In his novel Platform (2001) Michel Houellebecq examines the interrelationship between high levels of social alienation in the West and sex tourism in the developing world (an interrelationship consolidated by the commercial products of mass tourism). With reference to Hall and Ryan's theory of liminality in Sex Tourism: Marginal People and Liminalities (2001) this article shows how the novel depicts (primarily female) sex workers and their clients as liminal and interdependent entities, operating in an equivocal and shadowy state between the legal and illegal, the self-empowering and the self-abasing, the mundane and the out-of-the-ordinary. By applying concepts of liminality and its corollaries to Houellebecq's work, the article seeks a better understanding of the portrayal of the sex trade's grey areas (including their exploitative, dehumanizing basis). At the same time, this approach casts light on a new dimension of Houellebecq's notion of ‘sexual liberalism’ (the extension of free market individualism into the domain of sexual competition) to show that such a system not only brutally picks its winners and losers but, in the world of sex tourism, perpetuates an interdependency of faceless victims and elusive perpetrators.

Tureckie fantazje: seks, przemoc i turystyka w XVIII wieku

Sophia Watson’s Memoirs of the Seraglio (1768) was a libel pamphlet against Frederick Calvert lord Baltimore published during the media turmoil caused by a rape case filed by Sarah Woodcock, an abducted London milliner. Watson, one of the sex slaves kept by this millionaire aristocrat, wrapped her story in Ottoman imagery, evoking a number of contemporary associations related to the 18th-century vogue for the Oriental. Britain’s relations with Turkey were shaped by the early diplomatic recognition of London’s presence, by economic exchange — though in the 18th century it stagnated — and by a growing cultural interest sparkled by the letters of Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of a former British ambassador. Her letters, published after her death in 1762, served to inform the educated public about women’s “own” space inOttoman society, namely the harem, which ignited particular curiosity and speculation among male travellers. Watson’s libel fed on the cliches of male domination, and referred to her own experience among Baltimore’s sexual slaves kept in his London house. It run parallel to the court case against the aristocrat, which was made public by the press. The heir to the Maryland colony and one of the richest Englishmen of his time, Baltimore was a sex tourist with a particular taste for the Oriental. His own reflections on Turkey, penned down in his Grand-Tour-like report published in 1767, project — despite the author’s silence about his behaviour in Istambul — a sense of fascination with images of the harem and male domination stimulated by his health condition and weakness for opium. His sexual inclinations situate him in an Orient-inspired libertine Enlightenment community.

The Boys of Summer: Gay Sex Tourism in Rio de Janeiro

The aim of the article is to analyze the motivation of a group of Rio de Janeiro’s men to engage in gay sex tourism, as well as the reasons for a group of Brazilian and foreign male tourists to search for sex with other men in the city. Following mainly Carrier-Moisan (2015), McKercher and Bauer (2003) and Mendoza (2013, 2014), I argue that sex encounters between local men and gay tourists may involve money and perspectives of a better life for local men, especially sex workers, as well as the pleasure of the tourists. The results indicate that gay sex tourism in Rio de Janeiro also involves the negotiation and redefinition of values, stereotypes and expectations, which do not always include money. The study concludes that gay sex tourism in Rio de Janeiro may bring different types of personal involvement among the parts.

Human rights, extraterritoriality and the good international citizen: a cosmopolitan perspective

This article revisits the possibilities of the good international citizen (GIC) as a civilising agent in international society. It argues that an underdeveloped resource for thinking about state responsibilities as GIC is the idea of cosmopolitan extraterritoriality (ET) in relation to human rights. ET, the assertion of jurisdiction beyond territorial borders, has long been associated with statist and nationalist purposes; however, a significant cosmopolitan, and civilising, potential can be found within practices of ET in relation to human rights and certain aspects of criminal law such as in the practices of child sex tourism and trafficking. This form of ET allows states to restrain their own citizens abroad and potentially restrain their own foreign policies and practices by accepting limits on their freedom of action derived from respect for human rights and respect for the rule of law.

Controversial types of travel and the position of Polish tourism service providers: Experience tourism

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of the Polish market for the development of the supply-side of controversial forms of tourism, based on the opinions and products offered by tour operators and retail travel agents. Analytical data were collected using desk research and CATI (N=107) methods. The most common controversial types of tourism include drug and sex tourism, followed by disaster tourism, medical tourism, slum tourism, fan tourism and poverty tourism. The expectations of customers regarding tourism offers usually focus on party tourism and extreme travel, and the providers highlight that this market segment will continue to develop.

Sex trafficking and sex tourism in a globalised world

Purpose This paper aims to explore the dark side of the relationship between gender, mobility, migration and tourism. Specifically, the paper looks at one form of human trafficking, the global sex industry and the relationship between sex trafficking and sex tourism. More particularly, the paper examines the global sex industry (Goh, 2009; Sasse, 2000, 2001) and the impact of migration and human rights aspects (Voronova and Radjenovic, 2016) of sex trafficking and sex tourism, as well as the emotional dimensions of trauma, violence and vulnerability (Heaslip, 2016). Design/methodology/approach The paper is an interdisciplinary discussion paper combining socio-economic perspectives (Goh, 2009; Brooks and Devasayaham, 2011), human rights perspectives (Cheah, 2006), migration perspectives (Voronova and Radjenovic, 2016), tourism perspectives (Carolin et al., 2015) and health perspectives (Cary et al., 2016; Matos et al., 2013; Reid and Jones, 2011). The contribution of these intersecting perspectives to an understanding of sex trafficking and sex tourism is explored. Findings The paper highlights the moral and ethical responsibility of the tourist industry to counteract sex trafficking and sex tourism, an issue which tourism studies have failed to fully engage with. In presenting the human costs of trafficking from a gender perspective, the paper considers the ways in which the tourism industries, in some countries, are attempting to respond. Research limitations/implications The originality of the research is the focus on the dark side of the relationship between gender, mobility and tourism through sex trafficking and sex tourism drawing on an interdisciplinary perspective. Social implications The paper looks at the individual and social implications of sex trafficking and sex tourism for different countries and states and for the individuals concerned. In addition, it looks at the ways in which the tourism industry is responding to sex trafficking and sex tourism and the social impact of this. Originality/value In theorising the relationship between gender, migration, sex trafficking and tourism from an interdisciplinary perspective, exploring the societal and individual impact, this paper provides a framework for further empirical research or policy changes with regard to the intersection of sex trafficking and tourism.

Interaksionisme Simbolik Aparatus Dan Pekerja Seks Di Bali

This article explores a form of symbolic interaction between the formal security apparatus of the State and sex workers in Bali. The study uses qualitative research methods with data collection methods for interviews and observations. Through this type of research traced the efforts of sex workers to communicate in order to negotiate their interests with the power represented by the local government security apparatus (apparatus). Sanders' (2001) and O'Neill's (2001) study shows sex workers are resistant to control. But in this capacity, sex workers have a communication style to negotiate activities with local state officials. Theory used symbolic interactionism from Blumer. In the field data obtained there are two types of meaning in symbolic interactions. Sex worker as a party spreading disease and violation of morality. Even this is used as building the meaning of the moral image of regional leaders. In this symbolic interaction meaning, sex workers with bureaucratic state apparatus are very dependent on social structures in society which depend on social status, involvement in sex trade organizations, and laws or policies related to the regulation of CSWs. Bali as a world tourism destination prioritizes the basic value of the development of cultural tourism and has never once declared it as sex tourism. It's just ironic that Bali is often used as a transit point for the existence of the trafficking industry before they depart overseas. Bali is used as the main transit of commercial sex workers in the women's trafficking network. Although in the interactionism the symbolic meaning of the repression of the state apparatus is still considered to manifest a patriarchal value system that provides more legal sanctions to service providers in this case sex workers, especially women, than their users, namely men.

Venezuelan economic crisis: crossing Latin American and Caribbean borders

ABSTRACTThe Venezuelan economic crisis has created a direct impact on the migration patterns in Latin America and the Caribbean, both voluntary and involuntary. The ramifications of the crisis are political and economic, as Venezuelans flee political upheaval in search of economic opportunity. Exacerbated levels of poverty, crime, hyperinflation and poor governance have all increased the migration of Venezuelans to neighboring Caribbean and Latin American countries. There has also been a renewed concern for human trafficking in the region as the countrys' already vulnerable population fall victim to sex tourism, smuggling, and forced migration across borders. This south-to-south migration is worth examining, because neighboring countries are ill equipped to absorb millions of emigrants who are now pouring into their borders seeking refuge and social mobility. As a once thriving economy collapses, its citizens are fighting to survive, seeing migration as its only solution, amidst crime, poverty, food insecurity and political instability.

Driving force of condomless sex after online intervention among Chinese men who have sex with men

BackgroundCondom use remains consistently low among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aims to identify factors associated with condom use after online video intervention.MethodsThis is a secondary data analysis of data collected from an online non-inferiority trial comparing the effectiveness of two condom use promotion video interventions among Chinese MSM. Participants from the two groups were combined since the effectiveness of two video interventions were shown to be non-inferior. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with condomless sex after the intervention during the follow-up interval.ResultsOverall, 1173 participants were recruited at baseline and 791 (67.4%) completed the three-month follow-up survey. 57.3% (453/791) of the participants reported condomless sex after intervention in the three-month follow-up interval. MSM who have had sex under the influence of alcohol in the last 3 months (Odds Ratio(OR) = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.97; Adjusted OR(AOR) = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.83) and ever have had sex tourism (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.34, 5.63; AOR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.15, 5.07) at baseline were more likely to have condomless sex after intervention in the three-month follow-up period. MSM who had a higher level of community engagement in sexual health (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.82; AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.75 with substantial engagement) and who viewed additional condom promotion videos during the follow-up period by themselves (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.50, 0.89; AOR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.91). were less likely to have condomless sex during the follow-up period.ConclusionThe intervention appeared to be effective among MSM who reported viewing additional condom promotion videos by themselves and more community engagement after the intervention. In MSM who reported risky sexual behaviors at baseline, the intervention appeared less effective. Tailored intervention videos that target particular subgroups, active in-person community engagement, and optimized intervention frequency should be considered in future sexual health interventions.

Sex Tourism, Condomless Anal Intercourse, and HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Sex tourism affects the sexual health of tourists and locals with whom they interact. However, a few studies have examined whether sex tourism is a risk factor for the acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men, and no such studies have been conducted in Western Europe. Almost 28% of our respondents reported engaging in sex tourism in their lifetime. Sex tourism was associated with an elevated risk of engagement in condomless receptive anal intercourse, use of alcohol/drugs during sex, participation in group sex, and an elevated risk of diagnosis with any type of sexually transmitted infection over the previous year, specifically gonorrhea and chlamydia. Research with men who have sex with men who engage in sex tourism should explore high-risk sexual behavior during sex tourism and also the feasibility and acceptability of the use of episodic pre-exposure prophylaxis for short periods of participation in elevated risk behaviors by tourists and local sex partners.

Hospitalidade, turismo e lazer


 
 
 
 Este artigo trata das relações conceituais entre hospitalidade, lazer e turismo, das vantagens heurísticas dessa articulação e das suas decorrências para os estudos nessas três áreas, hoje próximas mas ainda separadas. Para tanto, após estabelecer as semelhanças e diferenças entre esses conceitos, pretende mostrar como a articulação desses conceitos pode enriquecer a análise dos casos hoje bastante discutidos do overturismo, da escola e do turismo sexual. Finalizando, mostra que a emergência dos estudos de mobilidade e da economia da felicidade tendem a contribuir ainda mais para a integração dessas áreas.
 
 
 

Viajes y turismo asociados a la explotación sexual comercial de niños, niñas y adolescentes en Colombia: pornografía infantil

Las implicaciones del mal denominado turismo sexual asociado a la explotación comercial de niños, niñas y adolescentes en Colombia y sumado a la pornografía infantil han conllevado que los diferentes Estados implementen medidas en contra de este flagelo que permitan materializar la especial y doble protección de los menores de edad como sujetos de derechos, realidad que se ha sido visibilizada por los medios de comunicación, que han abierto un debate frente a las políticas públicas y su eficacia, para lo cual el Estado colombiano ha incrementado penas como respuesta normativa. La presente investigación se enmarca desde la metodología de investigación cualitativa, que evidencia el método de investigación descriptivo. Sus objetivos se circuncribieron a identificar la naturaleza jurídica del marco normativo de la explotación sexual comercial de niños, niñas y adolescentes en Colombia, desde la pornografía infantil, y a determinar la referenciada temática desde el escenario de viajes y turismo.

« Les enfants veulent jouer au football, pas être exploités! » Coupe du monde de football 2014 et implications sur le tourisme sexuel infantile dans la ville d’accueil de Recife, Brésil

This study aims to analyze the issue of child sex tourism and its correlations with sports mega-events taking into consideration the implementation of preventive public policy in the host city of Recife – located in Northeast Brazil – in the context of the FIFA Football World Cup in 2014. Through a qualitative approach – interviews, observations, and photographs – this theme will be analyzed while taking into account the social aspects and the implications of excluded sectors of society in the organization of so-called mega-events. Although in the short term, the results obtained in the analyzed projects have been satisfactory, in the long run, effective social and educational measures must be prioritized to improve the situation of the actors involved. The topic of child sex tourism remains marginal in the context of sports mega-events, particularly in countries where social inequality persists.

United Nations vs transnational organized crime: a glimpse of the future?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is threefold; first, to show the role played by the United Nations (UN) in the fight against transnational organized crime; second, to analyze two subject areas, commercial sexual exploitation of children and mutilation of albinos, in which the Organization gives voice to the often voiceless victims; and third, to examine the role the UN may or should be called on to play in the postulated cooperation between high-level investigative means and personnel on the ground. Design/methodology/approach The paper relies on information generated by international organizations (Red Cross and UN) and media reports. Findings Although commercial sexual exploitation of children in many if not most advanced jurisdicitions is a crime with extraterritorial jurisdiction in the sense that perpetrator can be tried in, say, an advanced country for violations in a developing country, and considering that this crime has a strong international component, it has proved difficult to investigate. This is caused by the procedural difficulties in collecting proofs in one jurisdiction for use in another, transport of victims and witnesses, etc. Therefore, among many other measures, advanced countries should further tighten the investigation of so-called sex tourism clearly targeting children. Mutilation of persons with albinism is strongly linked to superstition and although often involving international trade, must be strongly countered by information. Again the UN plays and should play a leading role. Research limitations/implications Research in these and similar areas is quite obvious hindered by the so-called “dark number syndrome”, i.e. as the subject-matter is both illegal and the target of strong moral condemnation, it is difficult to get more than a small, hopefully representative, set of cases to examine. Practical implications Advanced countries must assist in limiting and hopefully stopping the overseas sex tourism involving underage individuals. Also, through the UN, the only moral arbiter we have, the international community should assist in informing and teaching, in particular, in the countries around the big lakes in Africa and in Malawi to bring to an end this kind of superstition. Likewise, the UN should act as a bridge, allowing sophisticated investigative means to link up with less sophisticated ones, in particular in the area of abuse of the environment (pachyderms in Africa and protected fisheries breeding grounds). Social implications From the previous paragraph, it is obvious, so it seems, that at least the commercial sexual exploitation of children and the mutilation of albinos can only be countered though a conscious effort at training aimed at the social layers – mostly in rural areas – where both superstition (albinos and brains of bald males) and the habitual view of children, in particular, but not only girls, as a source of income are prevalent. Originality/value The paper does not attempt to present original material. Rather it emphasizes the role of the UN in protecting the unprotected and promotes ideas with which to commence pushing back against the serious destruction of animals, including fishes.

Przemiany w sferze usług turystycznych Krakowa i ich wpływ na percepcję turystyki przez mieszkańców

Miasta dziedzictwa kulturowego UNESCO należą do wiodących destynacji turystycznych na świecie. Kraków jest jednym z przykładów tego typu miast. Celem podjętych badań było poznanie postrzegania wzrostu ruchu turystycznego w Krakowie przez mieszkańców i usługodawców turystycznych oraz ustalenie ich postaw wobec zachowań turystów. Przeprowadzono badania ankietowe z mieszkańcami (677) i wywiady z usługodawcami turystycznymi (50). Mieszkańcy i usługodawcy turystyczni dostrzegają zarówno pozytywny, jak i negatywny wpływ turystyki na rozwój miasta. Do pozytywnych skutków zaliczono: większe możliwości zatrudnienia, wzrost dochodów oraz rozwój infrastruktury transportu miejskiego. Natomiast odnotowano różnice w ocenie rozwoju bazy noclegowej oraz wpływu turystyki na procesy społeczne. Mieszkańcy jako negatywne skutki intensywnego ruchu turystycznego wskazali: nadmiar turystów, wzrost liczby lokali rozrywkowych (np. kluby nocne), zmiany w użytkowaniu budynków historycznych (hotele, puby). Intensywne promowanie turystyki rozrywkowej w Krakowie zdaniem mieszkańców sprzyja wzrostowi niepożądanych zachowań turystów (np. pijaństwo, zakłócenia porządku publicznego, udział w seksturystyce). Wyodrębniono trzy kategorie postaw mieszkańców względem zachowań turystów oraz wyróżniono dysfunkcje turystyczne o charakterze uniwersalnym i charakterystyczne dla Krakowa, a także ich uwarunkowania.

Sexually transmitted infections and travel.

The present review considers recent evidence on travel-associated sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks and travel with regards to risk behavior and implications of travel on communities. It highlights the lack of research in this area and topics for consideration. A population-based study, and others, shows significant levels of sex abroad and risk behavior with inconsistent condom use despite increasing travel advice about risks. There is an increasing association of STIs in military personnel from local rather than deployment-associated sex contacts shown in United States and French studies, probably related to deployment of women. Innovative studies are showing the effect of female sex-tourism on the communities involved, and the sexual interaction and risk for tourism employees from tourists. New social networking apps require evaluation as to both their potential to increase and decrease risks. Travel sex continues to be a vector for the global spread of multidrug resistant gonorrhoeae. New research challenges previous perspectives with changes to risk behavior in the military, female sex tourism, the change in social networks and ongoing risk behavior research and evidence of increased cross-country partnerships. The lack of high-quality studies evaluating travel advice to reduce risk is a key area for future work.

Sex, Seduction, and Care for the Other in Touristic Cuba *

In continuity with stereotypes that can be traced back to colonial times, present-day tourism images of Cuba tend to emphasize the sensual nature of this Caribbean destination, highlighting the cheerfulness and amiability of its inhabitants as well as their alleged “hotness” and exuberant sexuality. Based on fifteen months of ethnographic fieldwork carried out in Cuba between 2005 and 2016, the article discusses Cuban men’s narratives and practices of seduction of foreign tourist women. The focus is on gendered processes of self-definition that reproduce a global image of Cuba as a place charged with sensuality and eroticism while highlighting these men’s sexual, loving, and caring abilities. By moving beyond reductive readings of sex tourism and sex work, the article highlights the broader range of competences, sensitivities, and moral attunements that these intimate relationships bring into play, and the way they inform Cuban men’s subjectivities, their seduction practices, and their hopes and possibilities to establish long-term relationships with their tourist partners.

Rebound in Sexually Transmitted Infections Following the Success of Antiretrovirals for HIV/AIDS.

Nearly 1 million people become infected every day with any of the four major curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs), namely trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Despite huge global incidence, STIs remain as neglected diseases. The success of antiretrovirals for halting progression to AIDS in HIV-infected individuals and for stopping HIV transmission to uninfected contacts, either as pre- or post-exposure -prophylaxis, has to lead to increased risky sexual behaviors through risk compensation. Recent epidemics and outbreaks of STIs among men having sex with men reflect the global loss of fear to HIV/AIDS. The -alarming rising rates of STIs worldwide have been fueled by: (1) rapid spread of drug resistance, that is, for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium; (2) unprecedented impact of recreational drugs (chemsex) and internet (apps, websites) for facilitating exposure to multiple sex partners; and (3) growing rates of sexual violence and commercial sex, associated with wars, refugees, migrations, traveling, and sexual tourism. Moreover, there is an increasing appreciation of sexual transmission for other agents, -including human T-lymphotropic virus type 1, hepatitis A and C viruses, Zika, and Ebola. For addressing this new scenario for STIs, an expert panel workshop was arranged in Madrid, Spain in May 2018. This review summarizes the discussions at the meeting.

Sex Tourism in the Philippines: A Basis for Planning and Policy Making and Amendments

This study aimed to know the awareness and perceptions of people toward sex tourism in Makati City, Philippines where tourism and business collides that resulted to presence of prostitution. The researcher assessed the understanding of people on the concept of sex tourism, their awareness on the presence of the said practice in Makati City and on policies concerned with it, people’s belief towards the reasons for purchasing and selling sexual activities, and their opinion towards harm caused by sexual activities to buyers and sellers. This study showed that people understand what sex tourism is, and they are very much aware of its existence in Makati City, however, they don’t know how to put end to it with beliefs that business operators has strong connections with the government. Despite of open-mindedness, people are still aware about the illegality of this practice in the Philippines, but they don’t know details of laws concerned with it. Although there are other reasons for selling and purchasing sexual activities, people see poverty as the number one motivation why people choose to work as prostitutes, while Tourists’ demand is the reason why there is a presence of prostitution in the city, and regardless of being profitable, people still believed sex tourism should be stopped due to extreme harm it causes to buyers and sellers. The researcher concludes that this study is a good foundation for solutions to solve the problem. This will help concerned organizations and people to think of ways on how to stop sex tourism in the Philippines, starting with prostitution in Makati City. Solutions based on ideas of the authority should be shared to local residents including law enforcers and tourists through Professional Training Programs so that people as one nation could achieve the goal, whether that goal is to put end or to legalize Sex Tourism in the Philippines.

"A Red Card against Sex Tourism": Sex Panics, Public Emotions, and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

This article examines the campaigns against sex tourism and sex trafficking that have emerged with the advent of several mega-sporting events in Brazil. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in Natal, one of the twelve host cities of the 2014 World Cup, it focuses on the appeal to emotions in mobilization against sex trafficking and sex tourism. Despite the recent turn to emotions in social sciences, including the role of emotions in politics, there is a dearth of study examining the intersections of emotions and moral panics. Yet expressions of disgust, anger, rage, or outrage commonly accompany moral panics issues. This article engages with how campaigns against sex tourism and sex trafficking associated with the 2014 World Cup materialize through emotional tropes iterated and reiterated in public spaces, or sex panics scripts. More specifically, this article identifies various scripts—the sexually innocent yet violated child, the bad gringo, and the enslaved woman—and points to what gives them their traction. Taken together, these emotional tropes are constitutive of an affective logic that both conflates justice with punishment and repression, and makes certain oppressive interventions and fraught alliances "feel right"—that is, publicly thinkable, possible, and acceptable.