ECPAT_MexicoWe’ve got a new trip to announce, one that fits right in with our plans to positively transform the travel industry, together with like-minded organizations, and we’d love for you to come along!

For those in search of a deeper purpose in their travel experience, this  trip may be just the ticket. It’s got an ample amount of beautiful beach-time and cultural excursions, but a whole lot more.

Here’s the lowdown—Altruvistas is once again teaming up with ECPAT-USA (Ending Child Slavery at the Source) to plan and lead a transformative journey—this time to Mexico where travelers will experience first-hand how the travel and tourism industry is combating human trafficking and the exploitation of children through the implementation of The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct, or The Code, for short.

For those unfamiliar, The Code is a responsible tourism initiative with a mission to provide awareness, tools and training to the tourism industry to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

The theory being, tourism industry professionals are on the frontlines, close to where some of the child sex tourism and trafficking of children takes place, so getting travel companies to sign The Code has big potential in terms of helping to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

Companies that endorse The Code are supported by ECPAT-USA to establish procedures against sexual exploitation of children and train employees in children’s rights, the prevention of sexual exploitation and how to report suspected cases.

Here’s a short video about The Code:

Back to Mexico, the trip is called “Behind the CODE: An ECPAT Advocacy Journey to Mexico”, and it’s taking place May 22-26, 2015.

ECPAT Development Associate Sarah Porter describes, “What’s really amazing about this trip is that people get to see the positive impact of the travel industry’s commitment to ending trafficking and protecting children. It’s not something that’s intuitive – to think about, for example, training hotel employees to recognize when someone might be a victim or in trouble, this is how companies can help end this human rights abuse.”

Trip participants will get to meet with NGOs and organizations that provide trainings to prevent human trafficking, advance legislative reform, and promote children’s and women’s rights. They’ll also get to see the amazing work being done on the ground to combat this human rights abuse, hopefully leaving enlightened and inspired.

Of course, no trip to Mexico is complete without its dose of cultural excursions and beach visits, so also on the agenda is ample time to relax with fellow travelers in Cancun and on the Riviera Maya.

But unlike your typical vacation to Mexico, travelers on “Behind the CODE: An ECPAT Advocacy Journey to Mexico” will be helping to support initiatives that ensure that children are protected.

Sarah shares, “We are so excited to take people on this journey and to show them that where they choose to stay really does make a difference in the world.”

So if you are the type of person who believes that travelers should benefit the people and places they visit, consider heading to Mexico this May with ECPAT-USA as your guide.

More info

  • You can find more info about the May 22-26, 2015 trip here.
  • Download sample itinerary here.
  • If you know of others who might be interested in this journey, we would really appreciate you taking the simple step of sharing this post with them. There is an email feature and other social network buttons just below here to make it easy for you. Thank you!