ATLAS SIG Orphanage Tourism Webinar
Note on imagery: The images accompanying this SIG webpage are AI-generated. We have deliberately chosen to use artificial imagery rather than photographs of institutionalised children, as displaying such images would contradict our mission to discourage the exploitation of vulnerable children for promotional purposes.
ATLAS SIG Orphanage Tourism Webinar
Launching the novel Special Interest Group on ‘Orphanage Tourism’
Tuesday February 11, 2025
8.00 GMT – 9.00 CET
About the Special Interest Group
Orphanage tourism represents a critical intersection of tourism, child protection, and international development. This phenomenon, where tourists visit or volunteer at residential care institutions, has emerged as a significant concern within the broader context of volunteer tourism (Westerlaken, 2021). While often driven by compassionate intentions, research has shown that this practice can inadvertently contribute to the unnecessary institutionalisation of children and create complex ethical challenges for both the tourism industry and child welfare sectors.
The ATLAS SIG on Orphanage Tourism aims to advance understanding of these impacts while promoting evidence-based alternatives that prioritise child welfare. The group fosters dialogue among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers across tourism, child protection, and international development sectors.
Webinar Agenda
1. Welcome and Introduction
Rodney Westerlaken, Coordinator of the SIG (NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands)
2. Current Trends and Challenges in Orphanage Tourism
Insights from recent research (prerecorded video)
Prof. Joseph Cheer, Professor of Sustainable Tourism and Heritage, and Associate Dean International, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Australia, editor of the book Modern Day Slavery and Orphanage Tourism
3. Building Ethical Alternatives
Discussion on evidence-based guidelines and best practices
Patricia Nieuwenhuizen, Coordinator Better Care Network Netherlands on the Thnxnothnx campaign (www.thnxnothnx.nl)
Manika Santhi, Program Manager Westerlaken foundation / Yayasan Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia on the Indonesian National Standard for Child Welfare Institutions and the work of Westerlaken foundation in the stoporphanages.org campaign and best practices in closing down orphanages
4. Engagement and Collaboration Opportunities
Rodney Westerlaken, How you can contribute to the SIG’s objectives
5. Open Forum
Rodney Westerlaken, Questions, ideas, and discussions
Speakers
This webinar marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to address the complex challenges of orphanage tourism. We will also discuss upcoming initiatives, including webinars, research projects, and workshops.
Join Us!
We encourage researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in this critical topic to join the webinar. Let’s work together to create meaningful change and ensure tourism supports family- and community-based care.