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 – 14.00 Bali Time – 19.00 Australia
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
3. Building Ethical Alternatives – Discussion on evidence-based guidelines and best practices
4. Engagement and Collaboration Opportunities – How you can contribute to the SIG’s objectives
5. Open Forum – Questions, ideas, and discussions
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.