Tourism connects people, cultures, and communities—and it has the power to change lives for the better. On World Tourism Day 2025, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, we look to the future: a tourism industry that is not only environmentally responsible, but also socially just and safe for every child.
Sustainable transformation can only happen when children are protected, their rights respected, and their futures secured. Today, too many are left behind: 1 billion children suffer from violence every year, 35% of trafficking victims are children, and violence against children costs the global economy $395 billion annually.
For businesses, protecting children is more than the right thing to do. It strengthens business models, builds customer trust, and drives long-term growth. Across the travel and tourism sector, leaders are already proving that child protection is both possible and powerful.
Now is the time to join them.
Organisations across the travel, tourism and transportation sectors are demonstrating that prioritising child protection benefits both society and business.
Join a Global Movement
Unlock Futures: Join a global movement, led by The Bicester Collection, with the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and ECPAT International, to make child protection a nonnegotiable standard in travel, tourism, leisure, and entertainment.
Soon, we’ll launch a global industry survey to gather insights from businesses worldwide. The findings will shape the 2026 Action Paper – a hands-on guide for CEOs and leaders, with case studies, best practices, and clear steps every company can take to protect children.
Become a Member of The Code
The Code is the leading global initiative helping the travel and tourism industry protect children from sexual exploitation. As a multi-stakeholder partnership, it equips companies with the awareness, tools, and support they need to assess risks, train staff, engage travellers, and take meaningful action.
With more than 350 members worldwide—from large multinationals to small local businesses—The Code shows that embedding child protection across operations, products, and services strengthens business models, builds customer trust, and drives sustainable growth. Learn how through The Code’s six criteria for companies to protect children and create socially responsible businesses.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Through our Global Member Webinars, travel and tourism industry leaders shared how child protection is reshaping responsible tourism and why it’s becoming a cornerstone of sustainable business. Hear their perspectives on building resilience, trust, and long-term value by putting children first.
Inspiring Practices from The Code Members
From staff training programmes to boosting traveller awareness, The Code’s Top Members of 2025 demonstrated how child protection can be embedded into every corner of the tourism industry. These stories show what works, and why your company should be part of this growing movement.
Sustainable transformation in tourism demands clear standards and regulations to prevent and respond to child sexual exploitation. Businesses can go further when due diligence laws, incentives, and policies create a level playing field for tourism, travel, transport and booking platforms.
A world where children in all their diversity can live free from sexual exploitation, both online and offline: that is the mission of Down to Zero. Together with local partners who best understand the complexity of sexual exploitation and know the local context, the Alliance works in twelve countries in Asia and Latin America. The Down to Zero alliance consists of Terre des Hommes Netherlands, Child Rights Coalition Asia, Conexión, Defence for Children – ECPAT, Free a Girl and Plan International, in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Learn more here. ECPAT International is a technical implementing partner for the Down to Zero Alliance.
