Preserving Madagascar from sexual tourism
03/02/2010 | 15:34:41
The ministry in charge of tourism and handicraft is joining forces with a NGO while starting a pioneer project of struggle against sexual tourism. The preservation of cultural heritage is put forward as a way to attract genuine tourists into the Great Isle.
Even in crisis period, watching out is paramount. "Madagascar is not yet a safe haven for sexual tourism as Thailand; one will do what it takes to expel acting tourism operators if they are counting on that kind of tourism ", stated Mrs. Irène Andréas. The Tourism minister conceded that the issue is a reality. "Arrests and sanctions have occurred, but, thank God, not on a large scale", she said.
Inn operators refrained from fully supporting either the ministry or the House of Tourism in an excessively committed struggle against sexual tourism which might capitalize into a significant hindrance to business. Sensitization campaigns especially address children, very much targeted by sexual predators. The ministry launched new campaigns to limit the spread of the scourge, as well as the adult prostitution over places with strong density of foreigners. Saint Marie, Strong Dolphin, Moramanga and Morondava are the targeted areas. It is all about popularizing the laws for the population, and also mobilizing judges and courts about the issue.
For the year 2010, the minister in charge of Tourism is appearing confident. "Even the HAT admitted that tourism must be the basis of the economic recovery; such activity can be practiced in every country as soon as it has got cultural or cooking attractive points". Irène Andréas estimated that "Madagascar is still attractive for tourists ". "If we manage to preserve our cultural heritage, tourists will keep on visiting us ", she insured.
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