
Sex tourism is a topic that many people shy away from. It is an industry that is often hidden from the public eye, but it is a big business that brings in huge revenues in many countries. While some may view it as the elephant in the room, the reality is that sex tourism lifts people out of poverty and provides much-needed income for families.
In this article, the global sex tourism industry will be explored, including answering some common FAQs about sex tourism. Additionally, a summary of some of the world’s most prevalent and popular sex tourism countries will be provided. Through this article, readers will gain a better understanding of this controversial industry and its impact on various countries around the world.
Key Takeaways
- Sex tourism is a big business that brings in huge revenues in many countries, providing income for families and lifting people out of poverty.
- This article explores the global sex tourism industry and provides answers to common FAQs about sex resorts reviews .
- A summary of some of the world’s most prevalent and popular sex tourism countries is provided.
What is Sex Tourism?
Sex tourism refers to the practice of traveling to a different location for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) defines sex tourism as trips organized by the tourism sector or using its networks, with the primary aim of establishing a commercial sexual relationship between tourists and residents at the destination. This type of tourism is often not discussed openly, making it difficult to determine its true scale worldwide. Sex tourism is often associated with prostitution and sex work, and involves the provision of sex services to adults. As a result, some countries have legalized prostitution to regulate the industry and protect sex workers. In the following sections, we will explore some of the top sex tourism destinations around the world.
FAQs about Sex Tourism
Is Sex Tourism Legal?
The legality of sex tourism varies from country to country. While some countries have legalized prostitution and sex shows, others have many grey areas. In some countries, it is the sex worker who is breaking the law, while in others, it is the client. There are no blanket laws that cover sex tourism as a whole.
Why Has Sex Tourism Increased in Popularity?
The increase in popularity of sex tourism can be attributed to the ease and affordability of travel. As travel has become more accessible, the demand for sex tourism has increased. This trend is similar to the increased popularity of all aspects of travel, such as hotels, tour companies, and luggage manufacturers.
Does Sex Tourism Exist Outside of Asian Countries?
While many people associate sex tourism with Asian countries like Thailand and Cambodia, it is a global phenomenon. The Netherlands is famous for its lax rules surrounding prostitution, and Germany and France have red light districts in some major cities. It is important to note that sex tourism can lead to exploitation and human trafficking, and it is crucial for governments to regulate and enforce laws to protect those involved in the industry.
It is important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding sex tourism before engaging in any activities. While some countries have decriminalized prostitution, others have strict laws against it. It is also important to consider the ethical implications of engaging in sex tourism, as it can lead to exploitation and coercion. Governments must take steps to protect those involved in the industry and prevent human trafficking.
The Top Sex Tourism Countries
The Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the most famous sex tourism countries in the world, with Amsterdam being the most popular destination. Amsterdam attracts over 4.63 million international tourists annually, and sex tourism provides more than 5% of the Netherlands’ GDP. There are an estimated 30,000 prostitutes across the Netherlands, and some elements of the sex tourism industry in Amsterdam are tamer, including solo and couple sex shows in theaters as well as shops selling erotic books/DVDs and all manner of sex toys.
The Gambia
The Gambia is a popular sex tourism destination that attracts mostly European women who seek out young black men. Local young men known as ‘bumsters’ work on the streets of the famous Senegambia Strip, looking for the women who are already looking for them. There are no official statistics on sex tourism in The Gambia, but it’s likely that a fair chunk of tourists engage in sexual activity when visiting. Female sex tourists often look for a sense of intimacy and a bit of romance as well as physical sex, and the female sex tourism industry is definitely smaller than its male counterpart.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is another part of the world where sex tourism is popular. While female sex tourism seems to be fairly popular in the Caribbean, traditional male-led sex tourism is definitely more in favor here as the top destination in D.R. seems to be Dr.Nights Sex Resort , with around 10,000 female sex workers across the Dominican Republic alone. The top sex tourism countries throughout the Caribbean are the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, and Barbados. Sex work is “not legal, but not illegal” in the Dominican Republic, and it is widely tolerated in Jamaica despite being illegal. Prostitution is illegal in Barbados, but it still happens.
Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular sex tourism countries in the world, with statistics suggesting that 70% of male visitors are sex tourists. ‘Thai brides’ are something most people will have heard of – they work with various agencies, and it is a popular practice. Women will often leave Thailand with a male sex tourist, in order to send money home to their families. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but club owners and those who run brothels are also criminally liable. However, this often gets overlooked as local authorities tend to have some sort of stake (financially) in prostitution. Thailand has various red light districts, and sex shows are common.
Cambodia

Cambodia is another of the world’s top sex tourism countries, with over 600 adult entertainment venues across the country. While prostitution is illegal in Cambodia, it still happens. Massage parlors and karaoke bars seem rampant with it, and street prostitution is popular too. Unfortunately, Cambodia also seems to be the worst in terms of child sexual labor – and the law doesn’t seem to clamp down on it hard enough.
Spain

Spain is another popular sex tourism country, with prostitution rife across the country, especially in big cities like Madrid. There is no specific law prohibiting prostitution in Spain, though there are laws around pimping, for example. Being such an accessible country for many within Europe, it is no surprise that it is one of the most popular sex tourism countries in the world.
Brazil

Prostitution is actually legal in Brazil, but owning a brothel or employing sex workers in other ways is not. Copacabana is a popular area for sex tourism in Brazil, and Vila Mimosa in particular has plenty of bars and shops that, underneath the surface, are actually brothels. Brazil is also renowned for its popular ‘sex hotels,’ where people can rent rooms by the hour. Vagrancy laws are used against sex workers, but Brazil is still one of the top sex tourism countries worldwide – it is just hidden away.

The Philippines
The Philippines is another country where the mail-order bride trend is a big part of sex tourism. Male-led sex tourism is definitely most popular in the Philippines, and while prostitution is illegal sex workers are employed as guest relations officers, singers, waitresses, and more. Sex tourism is rife in the Philippines, if less so than the likes of Thailand and Cambodia.
Sex Tourism Countries: To Conclude
Sex tourism is a thriving industry that has existed for almost as long as the tourism industry itself. While it is prevalent in many countries, some have become more developed in this area than others. Popular sex tourism destinations include The Gambia, various areas of the Caribbean, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, the Philippines, and Cambodia.
For those interested in learning more about the topic, there are several related articles available, including those that discuss the biggest red light district areas in the world, the sex hotel industry, female sex tourism, and the top sex tourism countries in the world. It is important to note that while sex tourism is legal in some countries, it can support sex trafficking, which is one of the largest criminal industries in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions
Top Countries for Prostitution in the World
Prostitution is a prevalent issue worldwide, with many countries having their own laws and regulations regarding the practice. According to recent statistics, the top countries for prostitution in the world include Thailand, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, it is important to note that prostitution is illegal in many countries, and the actual number of prostitutes worldwide is difficult to determine.
Country with the Highest Rate of Prostitution in Africa
Prostitution is a widespread issue in Africa, with many countries having high rates of prostitution. However, it is difficult to determine which country has the highest rate of prostitution due to the illegal nature of the practice in many African countries. Some of the countries with the highest rates of prostitution in Africa include Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
Cities with the Highest Prostitution Rates
Prostitution is prevalent in many cities worldwide, with some cities having higher rates of prostitution than others. Some of the cities with the highest prostitution rates include Bangkok, Thailand; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Tijuana, Mexico. However, it is important to note that prostitution is illegal in many cities, and the actual number of prostitutes in a city is difficult to determine.
Biggest Red Light Areas in the World
Red light areas are areas where prostitution is prevalent and often tolerated by authorities. Some of the biggest red light areas in the world include the Reeperbahn in Hamburg, Germany; Kabukicho in Tokyo, Japan; and the De Wallen in Amsterdam, Netherlands. However, it is important to note that prostitution is illegal in many countries, and the actual size of red light areas is difficult to determine.
Countries with Fully Legal Prostitution
Prostitution is legal in some countries, meaning that sex workers are able to work without fear of prosecution. Some of the countries with fully legal prostitution include the Netherlands, Germany, and New Zealand. However, it is important to note that even in countries where prostitution is legal, there may be regulations and restrictions in place.
Statistics for Prostitution Worldwide
According to recent statistics, there are an estimated 42 million prostitutes worldwide. However, it is important to note that due to the illegal nature of prostitution in many countries, it is difficult to determine the actual number of prostitutes. Additionally, prostitution is often linked to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation, making it a complex issue that requires further attention and action.

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