Coquille Bonheur DMC Strengthens Its Campaign

Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tourism

As part of its ongoing effort, Coquille Bonheur has reached a significant milestone by organizing a symposium aimed at enhancing the skills of its frontline employees—those who interact most frequently with tourists and visitors. The event provided a platform for open discussions, knowledge exchange, and collective strategies to better understand how tourism professionals can actively participate in child rights advocacy and the prevention of child exploitation.

A Day of Reflection and Commitment

The symposium, held in a packed conference room, brought together key members of the Coquille Bonheur team. The agenda focused on strengthening the company's role in protecting children, ensuring that each employee was well-informed and equipped to contribute to this vital cause.

A highlight of the event was a powerful presentation by Mr. Rattan Jhoree, CDU Child Welfare Officer, known for his contributions to the welfare of at-risk groups in Mauritius. Mr. Jhoree captivated the audience with his deep insights into the realities of child sexual exploitation, particularly within the tourism industry. His expertise illuminated the many challenges authorities face, as well as the crucial role tourism workers can play in identifying, reporting, and ultimately preventing these crimes.

Mr. Jhoree emphasized that child exploitation is not confined to specific geographic regions and that the tourism sector is often used as a conduit for these heinous acts. However, with the right knowledge, awareness, and a united front, the industry can become a positive force. He highlighted the importance of vigilance and prompt action from frontline employees, who are often the first to observe suspicious activities that could be warning signs of trafficking or child exploitation.

FIT (Friends of Tourism) Continues the Fight

Another significant contribution to the symposium came from the FIT (Friends of Tourism) Association, a local organization dedicated to promoting ethical tourism practices. FIT has been a crucial partner in Coquille Bonheur's campaign, supporting the fight against child sexual exploitation. FIT representatives provided additional context on how tourism workers can detect potential cases of exploitation and take immediate action to address them.

FIT's approach focuses on training and empowering tourism professionals, from hotel staff to tour guides, to recognize the warning signs of exploitation. By working closely with organizations like Coquille Bonheur, they aim to create a safer tourism environment where children are protected and perpetrators are reported. The association also advocates for stricter laws and policies within the tourism sector to deter and punish those involved in child exploitation.

The Role of Frontline Employees in Ethical Tourism

At the heart of the discussion was the role of frontline employees, who have direct contact with tourists on a daily basis. Coquille Bonheur believes these individuals are the eyes and ears of the industry and can serve as the first line of defense in the fight against child exploitation. Equipped with the right tools and training, they can identify unusual behaviors or signs of exploitation and know how to respond appropriately.

A Commitment for the Future

By the end of the symposium, there was a palpable sense of commitment in the room. Coquille Bonheur's frontline employees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to protecting children from exploitation. The company reaffirmed its dedication to creating a safe, ethical, and responsible tourism environment.

Christian Lefèvre, Managing Director of Coquille Bonheur, who closed the event, stated: "We are proud of the work our team is doing to combat child sexual exploitation. Today's symposium reflects our ongoing commitment, and we believe that through education, vigilance, and partnerships, we can make a real difference."

The fight against child sexual exploitation is far from over, but with the continued efforts of Coquille Bonheur, FIT, and other dedicated organizations, the tourism sector in Mauritius can become a safer space for children and a model of ethical tourism on a global scale.

This initiative is part of Coquille Bonheur's broader mission to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in Mauritius, ensuring that the island remains not only a dream destination for travelers but also a safe and nurturing environment for its residents, especially its children.

"Since our membership in 'The Code,' we have dedicated our efforts to protecting children from exploitation in the tourism sector. However, our recent engagement with Mr. Rattan Jhoree, CDU CWO, marks a decisive turning point in our commitment. Building on this collaboration, we are now prepared to expand our scope to strengthen child protection, not only within tourism but also across all areas where they may be vulnerable. This evolution reflects our desire to contribute more broadly and sustainably to the fight against all forms of exploitation," emphasizes Christian Lefèvre.

Since our commitment to "The Code," we have dedicated our efforts to protecting children from exploitation in the tourism sector. However, our recent meeting with Mr. Rattan Jhoree, CWO of the CDU, marks a decisive turning point in our engagement. With the strength of this collaboration, we are now ready to broaden our scope to enhance child protection, not only within tourism but also across all areas where they may be vulnerable. This evolution reflects our determination to contribute more comprehensively and sustainably to the fight against all forms of exploitation.