Airbnb and Medellin Sign Agreement to Combat Sexual Exploitation

In a collaborative effort to address sexual exploitation and foster responsible tourism, the city of Medellín, Colombia, and Airbnb have forged a partnership. This initiative emerges in the wake of an unsettling event involving an American, Timothy Alan Livingston, 36, accused of involving two minors in abusive acts at a Medellín hotel on March 28. Following this incident, Medellín’s officials have acted quickly to address the issue.

Enhancing tourism through responsibility

Medellín, a city that welcomes over 1.5 million visitors each year, with a significant number from abroad, is keen on nurturing a tourism sector that is sustainable and family-friendly. Mayor Federico ‘Fico’ Gutiérrez has articulated the city’s vision for tourism that adds value, explicitly distancing from any tourism linked to sexual exploitation or narcotics. The pact with Airbnb is viewed as a crucial measure to elevate Medellín’s status as a desirable tourist locale while upholding community values.

The collaboration between the city of Medellín and Airbnb is centered around four principal areas. It includes the exchange of aggregated, anonymized data to gain insights into tourist patterns and needs, aiding the city’s newly minted Secretary of Tourism. The pact also involves educating Airbnb hosts on preventing human trafficking and exploitation, highlighting the significance of being aware of the rights provided under the Tourism Law.

The initiative further encompasses training for local law enforcement and judicial bodies, promoting the sharing of information, and facilitating investigations and legal proceedings to avert situations similar to Livingston’s case. Airbnb’s stance against exploitation and trafficking is underscored through this agreement, marking a collective commitment to nurturing sustainable, responsible, and family-friendly tourism.

Community involvement and safety measures

Daniela Guzmán, Airbnb’s Manager for Global Trust and Safety Alliances, introduced the platform’s neighborhood support channel. This feature enables residents to report any suspicious activities in their vicinity, contributing to a safer and more respectful environment for both locals and tourists.

This partnership between the city of Medellín and Airbnb signifies a proactive approach to combating sexual exploitation within the tourism industry. By joining forces, they aim to cultivate a tourism landscape that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially minors, reinforcing Medellín’s commitment to the well-being of its community and its ambition to be a top choice for mindful travelers.