Tourists' perceptions of and reactions to child sex tourism: an exploratory qualitative investigation

Purpose Using a qualitative approach, this cross-disciplinary study integrating modern slavery, tourism and marketing expertise outlines Chinese outbound tourists' perceptions of reactions to issues related child sex tourism. Design/methodology/approach In total, 27 in-depth interviews were conducted, data analysed. Manual coding was chosen as an efficient method process interview given the relatively small sample size in study. Findings Three main themes emerged from analysis: (1) negative tourism; (2) tourist boycotts against destinations activities socially deviant illegal phenomenon (3) advocacy enhance public awareness These suggest that tourists, key stakeholders, have difficulty accepting occurs would like identify solutions end activities. Tourist positively affect sustainable development by eliminating businesses, including those involving prostitution, industry. The is applied here develop conceptual framework explaining Practical implications A individuals' has been devised using approach. Although takes its focus, it can also be better understand perspectives other or behaviours within findings provide valuable for various stakeholders. Originality/value current makes significant theoretical practical contributions under-researched topic – may inspire campaigns protect children being drawn into Efforts should undertaken rescue who already victimised businesses.