Mexico’s New Law to Protect Children from Tourism Exploitation

CANCÚN, QRoo — In an effort to prevent children and adolescents from becoming victims of sexual exploitation in travel and tourism, the Mexican Senate has approved a reform to the General Tourism Law. The new legislation mandates that hotels, transport providers, and other tourism services verify documentation of guardianship, custody, or proof of age before offering any service.

If the correct documentation is not presented, providers are required to notify authorities and deny the service. The objective is for service providers to act in a preventive manner and help protect minors from the first point of contact.

Mexico faces a serious problem, ranking as the second country in the world for child sexual exploitation in tourism, with approximately 17,000 minors affected across 22 states. Consequently, the reform seeks to anticipate risks and avoid situations that could endanger children.

The law also includes changes to diversify tourist destinations, promoting options beyond just beach tourism and encouraging cultural, rural, and community-based tourism.