During 2024, a total of 2,668 employees of companies belonging to the hospitality sector in the country have received training to raise awareness and educate about the importance of employees having the appropriate training and tools to identify any action that violates the rights of children and adolescents.
Among these people, 548 come from the destination La Romana. A measure promoted by the Hotel Association (AHRB) and the La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (AHRB) in its aim to maintain an inclusive, safe and sustainable destination. Eleven companies affiliated through the association, as well as companies with complementary offerings, are taking part in these training workshops.
“As a safe destination, we believe that prevention ensures that our collaborators have the necessary information and the appropriate tools to be able to effectively and promptly address the management of measures for the protection of children and adolescents, especially those in social exclusion and vulnerability, since they are the first who can be victims of abuse and exploitation.“, says Ana García-Sotoca, Executive Director of the Association of Hotels and the La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster.
These companies have been part of the global initiative The Code since 2014, which works to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism (ESNNAVT) in all its forms, and which in the Dominican Republic represents the Movement for the Self-Development of Solidarity (MAIS-ECPAT), an NGO focused on compliance with the Code of Conduct for the Protection System and Fundamental Rights of Children and Adolescents.
“With this code of conduct, to which the hotels adhere, it is ensured that, in case of need, any employee, regardless of their professional profile, knows what route to follow to report any inappropriate behavior involving minors.“,” explains Leidy M. Rivera, The Code Representative in the country.
The Code of Conduct was developed in 1998 by ECPAT Sweden, a member of ECPAT International, in collaboration with Scandinavian tour operators and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with the support of UNICEF.
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