A Situational Analysis of Child Sex Tourism in Nepal (Kathmandu ...

We have heard about the French paedophile whose case had hit the newspaper few years
back. In Thailand, there is organized sex tourism while in the case of Nepal one cannot
say that it is the case. However, there is enough room for this to evolve. In next 10-15
years, it might be very prominent
3.4.3. Community Police
Community police work with the people of community, and not directly with the tourists.
They have come across tourists complaining about the hotel services, and cases of theft.
There has not been any direct complains regards the paedophiles and sexual abuse by the
foreigners
They have observed that the children are usually engaged for short-term work with
tourists as tourist guides, street vendors and begging. Money and other goods are given to
them instead of their services. However; the involvement of children is not in a big ratio.
In Thamel areas, children can be seen working as hawkers and street vendors.
They have come across a case where a child was lost and later found out that the child
was kept in the house of the tourist and was send for education. Community police
addresses the issue of almost all the problems of the community; therefore Child Sex
Tourism is also its concern. However; they haven’t found any cases of children being
used for sexual purposes.
We have observed how easily children get attracted to the tourists. We keep close watch
on these people. But we still have not got enough evidence to charge them with any
offence.
Presently, there is no issue like child sex tourism but there is a high possibility of this
starting. There needs to be an active role in creating awareness among women’s group, in
school and in family. It does not take place in an organized manner but it could take place
in a hidden way. We foresee that it will emerge as an important issue in 5-10 years.
3.5. Tourism Authorities
3.5.1. Nepal Tourism Board
The main focus of Nepal Tourism Board is to increase the number of tourists. It aims to
make Nepal a premium tourist destination. The main strategies that are used are:
1. Reduction or discount in the fares
2. Sales mission through hotels and travel and tours
3. Press conferences in different priority countries ( USA, Japan, China, India,
Germany, France, Spain, Holland)
4. Cultural programmes in different target countries.
5. Information dissemination in the International media – documentary, films,
coverage etc.
6. Discovering and publicizing new tourism spot.
36 A Situational Analysis of Child Sex Tourism in Nepal