We Protect Children in Travel and Tourism
VIP JOURNEYS COMBATS CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING WITH ECPAT-USA AND THE CODE
VIP Journeys has partnered with ECPAT-USA and joined The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct (The Code) and implemented a policy against child sex trafficking. The Code is an industry-driven initiative to provide awareness, tools, and support to the private sector to help combat the sexual exploitation of children.
VIP Journeys’ policy states a zero-tolerance for child sex trafficking, instructs their associates what to do if they suspect instances of trafficking, and also addresses labor trafficking. VIP Journeys began training their staff to recognize and report suspected instances of trafficking in early 2018.
“Working closely in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and other Latin America countries we have always been compelled to give back to our communities, both locally and globally,” VIP journeys CEO and Co-Founder Michael Eiseman said. “As the eyes and ears of our partner Travel Agents and vendors, we are especially sensitive to the role and responsibility we have and that our travel brands. Human trafficking is an international and multi-billion-dollar market whose proceedings are often unwittingly facilitated by the travel and hospitality industries. As a member of the travel and tourism community, it’s our responsibility to shed light on this global atrocity. VIP Journeys manages luxury travelers and by working with our partners to include child protection language in RFPs and contracts, Tour Operators like VIP journeys can have a major impact on this issue”.
“ECPAT-USA is proud to partner with VIP Journeys to raise awareness and use their influence to combat human trafficking in the travel industry,” said Michelle Guelbart, ECPAT-USA’s Director of Private Sector Engagement. “They’ve hit the ground running and we are excited to continue this partnership in order to increase ECPAT-USA’s reach and protect children globally.”
ECPAT-USA partners with private sector companies in the travel and tourism industries to combat child sexual exploitation. Click here to see a full list of partners who have signed The Code.
About VIP Journeys
VIP Journeys is a U.S.-based luxury tour operator specializing in immersive life experiences in Central and South America. We work with our talented team of trip designers to storyboard and customize each dream getaway to your unique needs. Our passionate and experienced team of trip designers live and work in the areas they service, granting them personal knowledge of the properties, destinations and tours we provide. We also undertake extensive ground research before adding any property, destination or tour to our repertoire of luxury accommodations and adventures. Because of this unique combination of experience, our team truly has become experts in a myriad of customized and inspired trips to suit any travel style, from foodie and culture to family and adventure.
About ECPAT-USA
ECPAT-USA is the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. For more than 25 years, ECPAT-USA has been leading the charge to prevent child trafficking before it happens. ECPAT-USA is a member of the ECPAT International network, with offices in 95 countries. For more information on ECPAT-USA, visit ecpatusa.org; for specific details on The Code, please visit ecpatusa.org/Code .
Please contact Michael Eiseman at (800) 772-9188 if you are interested in join us in taking the pledge to Protect Children in Travel and Tourism.
