The Unlock Futures alliance has launched the Unlock Futures Protecting Children Action Paper, providing a practical framework to strengthen child protection and prevent exploitation across the travel and tourism industry.

The initiative follows a commitment made by more than 100 business leaders at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Rome a year ago, when industry representatives recognised child protection as a shared responsibility and pledged to make it a non-negotiable standard.

Convened by The Bicester Collection through its philanthropic programme DO GOOD, the alliance was developed in collaboration with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, ECPAT International and WTTC.

Launched at the WTTC Global Summit in Malta, the Action Paper draws on case studies from organisations across hotels, airlines, gaming, venues and tour operators. It aims to establish best practices and provide businesses with clear guidance for strengthening safeguarding measures.

The framework is structured around three priorities: CARE, ACT and SCALE.

CARE calls on businesses to appoint a senior leader with the responsibility and authority to drive child protection throughout the organisation.

ACT focuses on identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate policies, procedures, staff training and reporting channels.

SCALE encourages businesses to extend protection beyond their own operations by collaborating with industry peers, expert partners, contractors and wider supply chains.

The alliance emphasises that protecting children requires safeguarding to become an integral part of everyday business operations, rather than remaining a standalone corporate responsibility initiative.

While private companies play an important role in identifying risks and implementing protective measures, the initiative highlights the need for stronger government involvement to achieve lasting progress.

Effective legislation, enforcement and cross-border cooperation are essential to creating an environment in which businesses can implement safeguarding measures consistently. The alliance therefore calls for closer collaboration between the private sector, governments, law enforcement agencies and civil society.

Through the Action Paper, Unlock Futures aims to translate the travel and tourism industry's existing commitments into practical measures that businesses can implement, helping establish child protection as a fundamental standard across the sector.

The initiative reinforces the principle that sustainable tourism development depends on protecting children and ensuring that safeguarding remains a shared responsibility across the industry's operations and supply chains.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “Our sector has already taken significant steps to protect children, strengthening reporting mechanisms, investing in employee training and building partnerships across destinations worldwide to help identify and prevent exploitation.

But businesses cannot solve this challenge alone. Governments have a critical role to play in strengthening legal frameworks, improving enforcement and ensuring those who exploit children face meaningful consequences. Protecting children requires close collaboration between the private sector, governments, law enforcement and civil society. By working together, we can build stronger safeguards and create the protections every child deserves.”

Desirée Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant, The Bicester Collection, said: “Protecting children is not something we can leave to others. As leaders, we shape the places people visit, the experiences they have and the communities in which we operate. That gives the private sector both a responsibility and an opportunity to act. That is why we created the Unlock Futures Action Paper: to help leaders turn conviction into meaningful change and ensure the protection of children is embedded in responsible business.”

Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, said: “The travel, leisure and entertainment sectors have an unprecedented opportunity to go further and faster, embedding the protection of children into every part of their value chains. The Unlock Futures Action Paper provides a concrete, industry-informed tool to help make this vision a reality.”

Guillaume Landry, Executive Director, ECPAT International, said: “Children are part of the business of travel, tourism and entertainment: as guests, family members of employees, members of local communities and participants in the experiences and services we provide. Protecting them from those who might seek to exploit our businesses is a responsibility we cannot overlook. Protecting children is not only necessary; it is the right thing to do.”

Chantal Khoueiry, Chief Culture Officer, The Bicester Collection, said: “A commitment only matters if it changes what we do. Child protection cannot sit alongside the business of travel; it has to be part of how we do business. Built on evidence and the experience of businesses already leading the way, the Unlock Futures Action Paper gives leaders the clarity to act and make child protection a non-negotiable standard.” -TradeArabia News Service