Sectur reaffirms its commitment to the protection of children and adolescents in the travel and tourism sector

The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, officially presented the updated National Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children and Adolescents in the Travel and Tourism Sector at the Secretariat's facilities. This document strengthens the fight against trafficking and will be shared with all members of the National Tourism Registry (RNT).

In the context of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, commemorated on July 30, the head of Sectur explained that this update aims to facilitate the adhesion of more tourism service providers to this important commitment to social responsibility, through a new, more agile, simple, and accessible digital process.

"The protection of children and adolescents is an unavoidable priority for our sector and reflects the Mexican government's commitment to guaranteeing safe, ethical tourism environments free from any form of exploitation or violence. With the update of the National Code of Conduct, we are taking a decisive step toward ensuring that tourism in Mexico is a responsible activity that safeguards children's rights and promotes environments free from exploitation and violence," said Josefina Rodríguez Zamora.

He explained that this initiative was possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), the International Labor Organization (ILO), Save the Children Mexico, the Center for Sports and Human Rights (CSHR), and the Sintrata organization.

He explained that the National Code of Conduct (NCC) is a fundamental tool that promotes the implementation of preventive measures and actions against any form of sexual and labor exploitation of girls, boys, and adolescents in tourist settings.

He also noted that, until now, the process for obtaining the badge has been complex, resulting in lengthy processes for tourism service providers.

Rodríguez Zamora explained that, with the Code update, a web portal was implemented that streamlines the process by reducing and standardizing requirements, providing an intuitive procedure, self-downloadable materials, content reviewed and validated by expert agencies and organizations, and an accession process linked to the National Tourism Registry.

He also highlighted that the new Code includes four key guidelines:

Accreditation for the Code of Conduct for Tourism Service Providers (TSP) is done online.

The badge is self-downloading.

It is valid for two years.

It includes a QR code that makes it easy to identify accredited providers.

"Thanks to these improvements, a significant increase is projected in the number of tourism service providers who will be able to register to obtain the certification, ensuring greater coverage and protection for children and adolescents throughout the country," stated Rodríguez Zamora.

He emphasized that obtaining the badge remains free, in order to encourage participation by all interested providers.

She added that the National Code of Conduct not only addresses the certification process but also coordinates specialized training focused on raising awareness about the rights of children and adolescents, managing protocols for risk situations, and implementing best practices in care and protection.

He emphasized the importance of combining efforts from the public, private, and social sectors to ensure the protection of children and adolescents, promoting active shared responsibility in the development of ethical, safe, and inclusive tourism.

The National Code of Conduct will be available in digital format and distributed to companies and establishments in the sector, tourism service providers, local authorities, and strategic stakeholders linked to the industry.

The presentation was attended by Carlos Buenfil Amaya, head of the Administrative Unit for Strategic Planning and Interinstitutional and International Liaison from the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection; Félix Andrea Morales Ramírez, director general of Institutional Liaison; Bertha Elena González Hernández, director of Strategies to Combat Antisocial Behavior, Organized Crime, and Drug Trafficking; Guadalupe Bejarano López, deputy director of Monitoring Agreements with Deliberative Security Bodies; and Graciela A. Ramírez Zepeda, director of Decent Work Policies at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.

Also present on behalf of the International Labor Organization were Andrea Alcaraz and José Pablo Hernández; Save the Children Mexico's Executive Director, Dirk Glass; Communications and Campaigns Coordinator, Ilian Rosales; Political Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Coordinator, Miguel Ramírez Sandi; SINTRATA President, Mariana Ruenes de la Fuente; and Jorge Tonatiuh Magos Rivera of the Center for Sport & Human Rights.

Source: SECTUR.