Volaris the ultra-low-cost Mexican airline operating in Mexico, the United States and Central America, was recognized by the international organization ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) for the company’s commitment to responsible tourism and for its promotion of initiatives that prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents in the travel and tourism industry (ESCNNAVT).
Volaris maintains a focus on responsible tourism, and is committed to protecting and promoting the communities in which it operates, as well as the integrity of its clients, always seeking to develop the right environment - from an ethical and social perspective - to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. “Tourism, as a bidirectional process between locals and tourists, must be developed in a responsible way to protect children and adolescents from exploitation. Failure to take into account the vulnerabilities of local populations can result in several forms of exploitation against the vulnerable child and adolescent segment of the population,” said Norma Elena Negrete, National Coordinator of the ECPAT Network for Mexico.
According to ECPAT Mexico, it is estimated that around three million people annually travel the world with the intention of sexually exploiting those under the age of 18. Data from Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism indicates that between 16 and 20 thousand children and adolescents are sexually exploited in Mexico every year.
“According to the ECPAT Global Study on the Sexual Exploitation of Girls, Boys and Adolescents in the Travel and Tourism Context, in Latin America, the arrival of tourists has quadrupled since 1980 and the number of domestic travelers has doubled that of foreign tourists. This same study reveals that half of the inhabitants of Latin America are children and adolescents, demonstrating the need to protect the most vulnerable population through international policies and protocols,” said Enrique Beltranena, President and CEO of Volaris.
“The aviation industry is essential in the prevention of sexual trafficking and exploitation because it facilitates the transport of people, goods and services, as well as cultural exchange. The alliance we have had with Volaris for six years has been fundamental in raising awareness about the fight against and prevention of these crimes. If, as the tourism industry grows, more industry participants join together, we can ensure sustainable socio-economic development”, concluded ECPAT’s Norma Elena.
