The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents through the implementation of the Code of Conduct against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (SECA). This initiative aims to raise awareness and train all stakeholders in the Peruvian tourism sector to prevent and eradicate the sexual exploitation of individuals under 18. The primary focus is on creating awareness and providing comprehensive training to ensure the active participation of everyone in preventing this issue.
The SECA Program and Our Commitment
This program, part of the social development and protection policy for vulnerable populations led by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), aims to raise awareness and train the entire tourism sector in the country to prevent and ultimately eliminate the sexual exploitation of minors. We have recently achieved CALTUR Certification – Level 2, also from Mincetur, demonstrating our alignment with the highest government standards to ensure optimal tourism quality. For authorized and certified travel agencies like Viva Andes, the SECA program requires adherence to a Code of Conduct established in collaboration with Mincetur. This code mandates that the company disseminate the initiative, its norms, and objectives, and provide appropriate training to both staff and suppliers. The company is committed to following all the Code’s requirements in its operations. Despite ongoing issues with child trafficking in Peru, we are contributing to the fight against it by promoting ethically responsible tourism. Viva Andes aims to foster development, economic activity, and improve the quality of life in the destinations we visit. Our commitment to the SECA program also helps reduce and eventually eradicate the sexual exploitation of minors in these tourist areas.
Concrete Actions – SECA Code
«Adhering to the SECA Code of Conduct commits us to consistently implementing a series of actions that are carried out and reinforced as part of our activities.
Our office staff, as well as logistical personnel (guides, cooks, drivers, porters), are properly trained to support the Code of Conduct. We do not offer or entertain any requests related to sexual tourism involving children or adolescents, both for ethical and legal reasons, from national and international tourists.
In line with this, we collaborate with our partners (hotels, restaurants, etc., and all their staff) to ensure that the goals and commitments of the SECA program are met across all sectors and stages of the tourism services we provide.
Everyone at Viva Andes, as well as our partners in our operations, is committed to enforcing the SECA Code of Conduct and reporting to the authorities when necessary.
The actions outlined by the SECA Code and Viva Andes are highlighted and prioritized within our social responsibility policies. We aim to ensure that tourism brings only benefits to the region and the country, in accordance with our mission, vision, and corporate values.»
