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Child and Adolescent Sexual Exploitation Policy

The website https://www.metropolitan-touring.com is the responsibility of member companies of the Metropolitan Touring Group.

Across our tourism companies and hospitality properties, we believe that responsible tourism is a powerful tool for strengthening the community. We care for our environment and ensure the wellbeing of all our stakeholders, whether guests, employees, suppliers, and the community around us. 

To that end, in accordance with Ministerial Agreement No. 2022-014 and other local and international regulations that prohibit and sanction sexual exploitation, we have implemented a clear and firm policy to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. We categorically reject any form of abuse. We work closely with authorities and local organizations to ensure a safe and protected environment for all. All employees are firmly committed to preventing any acts of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents and will immediately report any suspicion or evidence of such situations.  

Together, we can make tourism an experience that not only respects but also promotes the wellbeing of our community. 

Policy Guidelines

5.1 General Policies

5.1.1 Zero Tolerance

The Company unequivocally condemns and rejects any form of sexual exploitation of children, adolescents or vulnerable individuals, particularly within the facilities operated by its tourism group.

5.1.2 Legal Compliance

This policy aligns with Ministerial Agreement No. 2022-014, as well as other local and international regulations that prohibit and penalize sexual exploitation. All employees are required to adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth in this policy.

5.1.3 Suppliers and Partners

All tourist accommodations collaborating with Metropolitan Touring must comply with the obligations established in Article 3 of the “Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in the Context of Travel and Tourism for Accommodation Providers” under Ministerial Agreement No. 2022-014. This compliance is a mandatory qualification criterion for partnerships.

5.1.4 Commitment of Employees

All employees of the Company are firmly dedicated to preventing any form of sexual exploitation of children or adolescents. Employees are required to report immediately any suspicion or evidence of such incidents. This commitment reflects the core values that define and guide our organization. 

5.2 Specific Policies

5.2.1 Integrating the Issue into the Company’s Risk Management Framework

The Company, through its Process and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Management, will incorporate the risk of “Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in our Products” into its risk matrix and commit to: 

  • Conducting an annual assessment of the likelihood and potential consequences of this risk, 
  • Implementing measures to mitigate and prevent the risk, and 
  • Developing a response protocol to address the situation if such a risk materializes in any of the Company’s products. 

5.2.2 Organizational Processes

The Company will ensure that all corporate and operational processes are meticulously designed to prevent any acts of sexual exploitation of children or adolescents in the context of travel and tourism. All activities will be aligned with standards of respect, protection, and safety.

5.2.3 Response Protocol in Case of Identified Risk

Following the guidelines outlined in Annex 2 of the “Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in the Context of Travel and Tourism for Accommodation Providers,” the Process and BCP Management team will establish a response protocol to address any identified risks in the Company’s products. This protocol will: 

  • Be titled “Protocol: Suspicion or Confirmation of Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Our Products” and made available on the Metropolitan Touring document management platform “PROCESOS 360” under the “Emergency Protocols” section for easy access by all employees. 
  • Define clear behavioral and physical indicators, as well as the response steps employees must take when a potential issue is identified (Annex 2). 

5.2.4 Employee Training and Awareness

To prevent risks and ensure preparedness, the Human Resources Department will: 

  • Raise awareness of the global issue of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents in the context of travel and tourism. 
  • Provide training to all employees on: 
  • The objectives and importance of this Policy, 
  • The inclusion of this issue in the Company’s risk matrix, and 
  • The response protocol to follow in cases where such a risk is identified in the Company’s products. 

5.2.5 Sharing the Policy with Travelers

In compliance with ministerial regulations, Metropolitan Touring, through its Explorer Product, Innovation, and Experience team, will share information about this Policy with travelers. This will include details about the preventive measures in place and the actions taken by the Company to safeguard children and adolescents. 

If you would like to receive more information about this policy and actions regarding the prevention of exploitation, please contact [email protected]

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