The significance of travel and tourism in relation to the international epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections has been widely recognized for many years. With the appearance of AIDS/HIV, a new impetus has been given to research in this field and to the consideration of practical preventative initiatives targeting international travellers. Considerable attention has also been given to the impact which international tourism has had on the development of commercial sex industries in different destinations around the world. In particular, serious concerns have been expressed about the role of international tourism in promoting the sexual exploitation of children and young people.