Code of Conduct

Sexual tourism involving minors is defined as a form of sexual exploitation in which a person, or a group of people, engages in sexual activities with children or adolescents during a trip outside their country or region of residence. This type of exploitation usually involves some form of compensation, whether monetary or in kind, such as food, clothing, accommodation, or other benefits, which further aggravates the violation of the fundamental rights of the minors involved.

In general terms, the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (CSEC) has been recognized as a global phenomenon that affects millions of minors every year in different countries and regions of the world. Although this form of exploitation manifests more intensely in regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe, the greatest demand for sexual activities with minors largely originates from countries in the Western world.

In Costa Rica, this issue generates deep social and institutional concern. In response, the tourism industry has taken a firm zero-tolerance stance against the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. As part of this commitment, companies in the sector have joined efforts to promote the adoption and implementation of the Code of Conduct, thereby strengthening prevention, detection, and reporting actions and actively contributing to the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents.

Budget Car Rental has committed to implementing the following measures:

Currently, the Code of Conduct is in a process of institutionalization, through which it will be formally adopted by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), in its role as the governing body of tourism activity in the country. This process is carried out in collaboration with the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and with the specialized technical support of the Paniamor Foundation, with the aim of strengthening its implementation, sustainability, and reach within the national tourism sector.