Sex Trafficking and Sex Tourism in a Globalised World

Abstract

Purpose - This paper explores 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; Sassen 2000, 2001); 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 (Author B). Design - The paper is an interdisciplinary discussion paper combining socio-economic perspectives (Goh 2009; Author A), 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. 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 regards to the intersection of sex trafficking and tourism