What is the ‘sex tourism’ trade in Japan?
The term “sex tourism” is a buzzword in the travel industry.
But is it a real trade?
We spoke to experts to find out.
Read more: The sex tourism industry is booming in ThailandThe sex tourism trade in AsiaSex tourism is not only popular with wealthy Chinese tourists but also other travelers.
“The sex industry is flourishing,” says Yannick Beaulieu, president of the international trade body for sex tourism.
“Sex tourism can be a big part of the tourism industry in Asia.”
A lot of the sex tourists are from the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Many of the people who come to Thailand for sex have never visited Thailand before, he says.
And most of the hotels and restaurants that cater to sex tourism are owned by Thai companies, so they have a lot of connections.
Most sex tourists in Thailand have no plans to return to the Philippines.
“It’s not a real destination,” says Beauliu.
“They just come here because of the beautiful beaches and the great people.”
What do sex tourists want?
Sex tourism often comes down to money, says Beulieu.
Many sex tourists go for the best deals, while others will be looking for the ultimate experience.
Beaulieu says sex tourism is growing in Thailand because there are more tourists who want to spend their money on exotic activities.
“We are seeing more people from the developing world coming to Thailand,” he says, “so people are looking for a better life and they want to see the world, and the sex industry can be part of that.”
How much does sex tourism cost in Thailand?
The cost of a trip to Thailand varies depending on the destination, but sex tourists typically get between $15 and $20 per hour.
Some sex tourists pay more, but many sex tourists only travel for an hour.
Beulieu says the cost of an hour’s stay in a hotel is around $40, and some hotels charge between $200 and $500 for a one-night stay.
Sex tourists will typically travel for a minimum of three to five nights.
How much sex tourism do I need to visit Thailand?
Sex tourists usually need to book a stay at least two weeks in advance, or they may need to make reservations for a day or two.
They can book online or at Thai hotels, but some hotels are not open 24 hours.
Sex tourism is most common in the north of the country, but travellers are also frequenting parts of the south.
If you want to book, be sure to make an appointment beforehand.
Beaulie says sex tourists will usually wait until they are in Thailand before going out for sex.
“They don’t want to get too drunk and they don’t like to go out late at night,” he explains.
Beauulieu suggests that sex tourism will not stop if the destination is closed.
“If you are going to be staying in a certain location, and there is no way to leave and go somewhere else, that’s not going to happen,” he advises.