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Sex tourism sustains the existence of HIV in the Caribbean tourism areas

Sex tourism sustains the existence of HIV in the Caribbean tourism areas
Author: Anssi Tapola
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Do you like sex? Do you like tourism? What about if the both are together??


The emergence of sex tourism has increased vigorously and it is blossoming in the Caribbean. As long as tourists have money to spend, and local people have something to sell, sex included, the sex tourism phenomenon is unlikely to decline, especially in the developing world.

There are places in the Caribbean where the space is inextricably tied up with transactional sex what makes it a `sexscape`. Sexscapes are characterised by international travel from the developed to developing world. The globalisation has made this possible and built local and global connection. The cross-cultural `contact zone` is the result of a cultural account of sex tourism in a specific location.

Caribbean women and men frequently perceive tourism work, which is one the most profitable employment options. Such work commonly overlaps with commercial sexual exchanges with tourists. Tourism industry´s rapid growth has motivated to migrate from rural provinces to coastal tourism areas in search of economic opportunities, whether it is directly in the tourism sector or some type of front-stage activity which puts them in contact with tourists. One criterion for participation was that tourists are believed to offer financial, migratory and social status benefits. The perception of greater potential compensation is the main reason why sex workers strongly prefer tourists as a client.

The Caribbean region has the highest prevalence rates of HIV infection outside of Sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 20 000 people were newly infected in 2007. In 2008 the Caribbean adults were 1,0% HIV positive. This rate has been fuelled by high rates of unsafe sexual behaviours and socio-cultural norms and religious taboos that hinder safe sex practices. An estimated 240 000 persons in the Caribbean are living with HIV/ AIDS.

Sexual contact with tourists and the preference for tourists do not alone provide evidence of a higher risk for HIV transmission in tourism areas. There are more affiliations what involve to the spread of HIV infection; a) high prevalence rates among sex workers and their clients, b) high rates of HIV risk behaviours in tourism areas, c) demographic changes resulting from labour migration, and d) alcohol and drug use in tourism areas.

a) The prevalence of HIV is higher for male and female sex workers than for the general population. Most of the tourists are from regions such as North America and Western Europe, where HIV prevalence among adults is also notable 0,6%, the rates have been increasing since 2002. Another factor what affects condom use is whether or not clients insist on it. The Caribbean well-known lifestyle `live for today`- attitude do not express any anxiety over the dangers of sexual promiscuity.

b) Individuals working in tourism areas or engaging in transactional sex with foreigners have higher rates of HIV risk behaviours. It is examined that MSM, CSW, and hotel and resort employees have high rates of sexual contact and sexual risk behaviour with foreign tourists. The condom use with regular clients is minor because of the fact that most attributed to a feeling of trust. Also, young females constrained by religious norms that demand abstinence were reluctant to buy condoms for fear of social stigma, which would be magnified in the community.

c) Broad demographic and structural changes resulting from labour migration to tourism contribute to HIV risk among migrants and their stable partner. Returning to rural households or adjacent communities where conjugal norms presume fidelity and trust, and where gender inequalities further inhibit risk reduction practises such as condom use and sexual risk communication.

d) Provably alcohol and drug use increases considerably the unsafe sexual behaviour.

Sex tourism is one of the matters what keeps the disease moving. Sex tourism has increased demand for CSW and has been cited as a contributor to the high prevalence of HIV infection. The Caribbean is a popular destination for sex tourists, and several countries have reported that sex tourism is linked rising infection rates in certain areas. Formative HIV-prevention research, programs, and policies in tourism areas have been largely absent or underfunded.

Sex tourism does not necessarily stop because it is legal in many Caribbean countries and there is less attention in the local media or political debate about sex scandals. Authorities do not care that much about things that are hidden in the media; therefore the media invisibility has its consequences.


Bibliography

Padilla, M. & Guilamo-Ramos, V. & Bouris, A. & Matiz Reyes, A. (2010). HIV/AIDS and Tourism in the Caribbean: An Ecological Systems Perspective. American Journal of Public Health. 100 (1), 70-75.

Phillips, J. (2008). Female Sex Tourism In Barbados: A Postcolonial Perspective. Brown Journal of World Affairs. 14 (2), 201-210.

Reid, S. & Malow, R. & Rosenberg, R. (2012). Alcohol, Drugs, Sexual Behavior, and HIV in Trinidad and Tobago - The Way Forward. Journal of the International association of Physician in AIDS Care (JIAPAC). 11 (1), 66-80.