sex tourism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Journalistic, Academic (often used in legal, sociological, and ethical contexts).
Quick answer
What does “sex tourism” mean?
The practice of traveling to another country specifically to engage in sexual activity, often because it is cheaper, less regulated, or involves different social norms than in one's home country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of traveling to another country specifically to engage in sexual activity, often because it is cheaper, less regulated, or involves different social norms than in one's home country.
A form of tourism in which the primary or significant motivation is to engage in commercial sexual relations, often with children or vulnerable adults, frequently in regions where poverty, legal loopholes, or enforcement failures enable exploitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is used identically in both varieties. Spelling differences apply to other words in the context (e.g., centre/center).
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations in both varieties. The issue is discussed with similar gravity in media and academia.
Frequency
Similar frequency in relevant discourses (news reports, academic papers on trafficking, sociology).
Grammar
How to Use “sex tourism” in a Sentence
Sex tourism exists in [Country/Region].The government is legislating against sex tourism.He was convicted for involvement in sex tourism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex tourism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The operator was accused of facilitating sex tourism.
- Authorities are working to sex-tourist hotspots.
American English
- The new law aims to prosecute those who sex-tour.
- The documentary exposed how predators sex-tour in vulnerable regions.
adjective
British English
- The sex tourism industry is a blight on the region.
- A sex tourism hotspot.
American English
- The country has a severe sex-tourism problem.
- Sex-tourism destinations were identified in the report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policies, travel industry ethics, and risk management for companies operating in certain regions.
Academic
Common in sociology, criminology, human geography, and gender studies papers analyzing power dynamics, exploitation, and global inequalities.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. If used, it is in the context of discussing serious news topics or ethical concerns about travel.
Technical
Used in legal texts, international conventions (e.g., by the UN), NGO reports on human trafficking and child protection.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sex tourism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sex tourism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex tourism”
- Using it to refer to honeymoons or romantic getaways (incorrect – it specifically involves commercial sex/exploitation).
- Hyphenating it as 'sex-tourism' (less common, the open compound is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Sex tourism' specifically involves commercial sexual activity, often with exploitative elements, and is a negative term. 'Romantic travel' is a neutral term for couples traveling together.
It depends on the local laws and the specific activities involved. Many countries have laws against prostitution, child prostitution, and human trafficking, which are often associated with sex tourism. Some countries have specific laws targeting citizens who commit sexual offences against children abroad.
It is a subset of sex tourism where the individuals targeted for sexual exploitation are children (minors under 18). It is a serious crime and a form of child abuse, globally condemned and illegal under international law.
No. The term is almost exclusively used in a critical, condemnatory, or analytical context. It carries a strong negative connotation of exploitation and abuse.
The practice of traveling to another country specifically to engage in sexual activity, often because it is cheaper, less regulated, or involves different social norms than in one's home country.
Sex tourism is usually formal, journalistic, academic (often used in legal, sociological, and ethical contexts). in register.
Sex tourism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈseks ˌtʊə.rɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈseks ˌtʊr.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SEX + TOURISM = Travel (TOURISM) with the primary purpose being SEX, often involving exploitation.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOURISM IS A MARKET (where sex is a commodity); COUNTRIES ARE MARKETS (for sexual exploitation).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'sex tourism'?