Children in tourist areas are vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse - Koya

Minister for Tourism, Faiyaz Koya is calling on stakeholders in the tourism industry to extend the duty of care to our children, especially those in the communities who are in one way or another involved in the industry.

While speaking at the Tourism Stakeholders Workshop Programme at Westin Resort in Denarau, Koya says children who live in tourist areas are vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

He says while we do not see child safety as a major industry challenge, it is never too early or irrelevant to start the conversation.

Koya says this workshop will help stakeholders enhance knowledge and capacity towards keeping children safe in the tourism industry.

He says findings from the 2019 International Visitors Survey revealed that Fiji is a family-friendly destination and to maintain this recognition, we do not only need to care for others but also care for our own, particularly children.