Colombia VP Francia Marquez Sounds the Alarm on Sex Tourism

During her intervention at the fifth session of the High-Level Roundtable for the Prevention of Femicides and Other Violence Against Women, Francia Marquez, Vice-president of Colombia and Minister of Equality and Equity, deplored the development of sex tourism in Colombia.

While the country is becoming a recognized international tourism destination, thanks to its stunning landscapes, its rich culture and the warmth of its people, the issue of sex tourism remains a concerning reality.

Sex tourism in Colombia

As prostitution is legal in Colombia, the increase in traditional, cultural or nature tourism has been accompanied by a significant development in sex tourism within the country. Andrés Felipe, a taxi driver in Medellin, directly witnessed the rise of sex tourism, with the increased inflow of visitors to the country over the last decade. “Se puteó el Lleras” (the Lleras went wild), he said, referring to the famous Medellin Park. This phenomenon can be attributed to two main factors.

First is Colombia’s international reputation for having beautiful women, with the country even being dubbed “El país de la belleza” (the country of beauty). Indeed, Colombian beauties have been celebrated in international beauty competitions, such as Paulina Vega, the 2014 Miss Universe winner.

Secondly, poverty and the exchange rate of the Colombian peso against foreign currencies like the US dollar or euro create the perfect conditions for the development of sex tourism. As such, women may see prostitution as a relatively easy way to earn significantly more money than regular employment would offer, while foreigners can indulge at lower costs than in their home countries.

Criminal networks

However, organized prostitution is also the result of criminal networks that abuse and exploit vulnerable women. As Vice-president Francia Marquez emphasized during her March 8, 2024, intervention, “The country of beauty cannot equal sexual violence; it cannot mean that we [Colombian women] are to be entangled in trafficking networks or to be exploited”.

These words were pronounced in Cartagena, which has unfortunately experienced a growth in sex tourism in recent years. This national phenomenon, especially visible in major touristic cities like Bogota, Medellin and Cali, has been amplified by the migration of Venezuelans over the last decade, as they represent a more vulnerable group.

A study conducted on a sample of 2,216 Venezuelan migrants by a Colombia NGO between 2019 and 2021 found that around 40% had been victims of sexual trafficking and exploitation.

Dangers of sex tourism

The presence of children in prostitution networks is particularly alarming. Estimates suggest that around 10% of Colombian sex workers are underage, a phenomenon closely linked to sex tourism as child trafficking networks cater specifically to international sexual predators.

As such, Vice-president Francia Marquez declared that Gustavo Petro’s government wants “tourism interested in discovering the beauty of Colombia, not in abusing women”.

Moreover, sex tourism not only damages women’s dignity and safety but also presents significant risks to foreigners. Several American tourists have fallen victim to scams, or even been drugged and robbed by criminal networks while seeking sexual services, with some incidents tragically ending in death.

As Francia Marquez pledges to combat sex tourism in Colombia, it is crucial to remember that the country has much more to offer than sex entertainment, from its delicious cuisine and incredible landscapes to its vibrant musical scene and beautiful cities.