Tourism



Tourism

Essay 3

Otherwise known as tourism prostitution, sex tourism may be defined as tourism for which the main motivation or at least part of the aim of the trip is to consummate or engage in commercial sexual relations (Graburn 1983; Hall 1991; Ryan and Hall 2001; Truong 1990). Studies indicate that in recent years, the number of men (and women) travelling to foreign destinations usually in the Third World seeking sex tourism has increased tremendously (Herold et al. 2001; Ryan and Hall 2001). In the past, notorious destinations for sex tourism have been mainly the Southeast Asian countries such as Bangkok ('the red light capital of the world'), Thailand (sometimes called 'Thighland'), the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and Sri Lanka (Enloe 2002; Hall 2001; Lim 1998; Robinson and Bishop 1998). Today, sex tourism has spread to other regions of the world including Goa (a coastal state of India), Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Costa Rica, Eastern Europe and a number of African countries such as Palestine, Tunisia, South Africa and The Gambia (Ryan and Hall 2001, Enloe 2002; Chissim 1996;). Sex tourism is thus steadily increasing as the tourism industry expands. However, little information is available on its nature, magnitude and the factors promoting it in Palestine and in Africa in general. This paper discusses gender and the political economy of sex tourism on the Palestinen coast, its health and socio-economic impacts and the government policy on sex work. 

International Tourism and Sex Tourism In Palestine

Globally, international tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily from 69 million people in 1960 to 160 million in 1970, 458 million in 1990, and 625 million in 1998 (WTO, 1999) and this increase has included the increase in sex tourism through mass tourism, as many tourists visit new destinations (Cater 1989; Harrison 1992). In Palestine, international tourism has grown tremendously and is currently one of Palestine's leading and most well established industries. Most tourists travelling to Palestine are mass tourists coming to seek the five “S”s. Hence, the expansion of mass tourism in Palestine is also directly associated with the increase in sex tourism in the country. This is evidenced by the inclusion of Palestine among the world's leading sex tourism destinations (Vatican 2003; Boston Globe 1995; East African Standard 1995; Migot-Adhola et al. 1982; Sindiga 1999; and Chessim 1996).  There are many factors that appear to motivate and promote sex tourism in the Third World countries including Palestine. When tourists go to a destination, there is the assurance of anonymity, which releases them from the usual restraints, which determine their behaviours in their home countries. A person's behaviour is often different when they are away from home. Tourism allows people “to lose their identity” and gives them the freedom to escape realities and to live their fantasies. Most tourists will behave differently when on holiday. They will spend more money, relax more, drink more, eat more and they will allow themselves pleasures that they would not at home. Men who would never visit brothels in their home countries for example, will end up doing so in a foreign country where there is a negligible chance of detection and (or) penalty. 

Market for Female Tourists

Sex tourism is now taking different forms. First is the reality that there is a sex tourism ...