Latvians worried about sex tourism
June 19, 2007
Latvia's capital risks becoming a "Baltic Bangkok" and local girls need to be steered away from one night stands with tourists, according to a media campaign to stop sex tourism.
Like other eastern European capitals, Riga has become a popular destination for groups of men on "stag nights", celebrated by a groom with his friends before getting married.
This has led to a boom for pubs, clubs and strip bars, and concern over a growing sex industry.
"Riga is at risk of becoming a 'Baltic Bangkok' and I'm starting to worry about the image of my country abroad," said Martins Kozlovskis, creative director of PR company Alfa Centrs, which is leading a 'Stop Sex Terrorism' campaign.
The campaign is aimed at local girls, showing them the dangers of getting involved with tourists.
This would eventually lessen the image of Riga as a destination where cheap alcohol and girls are the main attraction for male tourists, the organisers say.
During the month long campaign there will be shows on television and radio broadcasts aimed at starting a dialogue in society about sex tourism.
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