Travel and Tourism issue and impacts 1 : Sex tourism in Prague
Prague has been Europe`s sex tourist capital since 1989. This is mostly because of the cheap beer, low-cost
airlines, beautiful women and legal prostitution. Brothels are not legal in the Czech Republic, but a lot of
establishments get around this by naming them strip clubs. Mail Online (2013) How drunk Brit stags are
risking STDs while on the rampage in Prague [online] Available at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2449053/Sex-Stags-Prague-BBC-documentary-reveals-drunken-
Brits-risking-STDs.html [Accessed 28 Sep. 2017]. This article states that a prostitute said that one man of
three asks for unprotected sex.
Negatives
The crime has become increased due to the high amount of tourists each year. They are clubbing in the
night and the noise impacts locals. Some heritage sites and statues are also impacted because drunk
people damage them. Specialist companies popped up and women without qualifications can become
strippers and prostitutes. Sex tourism also promotes STDs, for example, HIV or AIDS, and paedophilia. It
also increases illegal activites, such as criminal activities, drug, child sex traffic and child labour.
Positives
The economy in the Czech Republic becomes better, as people spend money on their holidays to Prague.
Furthermore, tourists looking for hired sex partners likely want to stay in prestigious hotels and go
shopping, therefore it benefits the economy. There are also more jobs, so that the percentage of
unemployment decreases. Many visitors want to experience exotic sexuality, such as a traditional massage
or erotic dance. It helps the workers preserve the local cultural heritage. It is cheaper than booking
adventure tourism packages and they provide a good time to tourists. Sex tourism helps in creating a
massive inflow of foreign exchange.
Improvements
I think the solution could be putting in a special policy about opening times, behaviours and clothing.
Accommodation owners could ask for a deposit for parties, so that they would not have problems with
dealing with these situations.
Prague Guide. (2017). Prague's Adult Areas. [online] Available at: http://www.prague-
guide.co.uk/category/pragues-adult-areas/ [Accessed 4 Oct. 2017].