Mexico Strengthens Measures to Protect Children in the Tourism Sector with Updated Code of Conduct

As part of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) unveiled the updated National Code of Conduct for the Protection of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents in the Travel and Tourism Sector, a tool aimed at combating child exploitation in tourism environments and streamlining its adoption among service providers registered in the National Tourism Registry (RNT).

Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that the updated Code introduces a more accessible, intuitive, and fully digital process, allowing a greater number of tourism businesses to commit to safe, ethical, and exploitation-free tourism environments.

“Protecting children and adolescents is an unavoidable priority for our sector. With this updated Code, we take a decisive step to ensure that tourism in Mexico remains a responsible activity that upholds children’s rights and promotes safe environments,” said Rodríguez Zamora.

The new accreditation is free of charge, processed entirely online, valid for two years, and includes a QR code for easy verification. It also offers auto-downloadable certificates and training materials reviewed by expert institutions.

Key organizations collaborating in the update include Save the Children Mexico, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sintrata, and the Center for Sports & Human Rights, along with federal government departments such as the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS).

The Tourism Minister explained that the Code promotes preventive and responsive measures against child sexual and labor exploitation, while also encouraging good practices in the industry. It includes specialized training focused on children’s rights, risk-response protocols, and the creation of safe and inclusive tourism spaces.

Rodríguez Zamora noted that, thanks to the streamlined digital process, a significant increase is expected in the number of service providers adopting the Code, thereby expanding nationwide coverage and protection for children and adolescents.

Finally, the Code will be distributed digitally through the RNT and shared with companies, local governments, and key tourism stakeholders. Sectur called on public, private, and civil society actors to join forces and ensure a tourism sector that is free from violence and committed to protecting children.