Geraldine Cox has had to deal with politicians for most of her professional career. After she retired from that scene she found a way to channel these experiences to do some good—caring for Cambodian children. The “queen of orphanage tourism” in Cambodia is someone you either like or dislike instantaneously. So, I’ve decided to present my Skype video interview with her through a four-part series via eTN 2.0.

What makes Cox relevant? Orphanage tourism has helped catapult the staggering growth of tourism in Cambodia. Since 2005, Cambodia has built 75 percent more orphanages to meet the skyrocketing number of foreign arrivals, up to 250 percent in the same period.

This is, of course, the epitome of a perfect supply and demand enterprise. But, is exploitation of children the price to pay? Unbeknownst to tourists visiting these Cambodian orphanages, some of the children living in them aren’t even orphans at all. Hence, the ethical debate on this issue is not only inevitable but is of great significance.

Whichever side of the argument you are on the issue, the below interview with Cox may just shed some light on this rather grim issue and may provide you with a helpful info or two. Below is part one of four:

To read my previous articles on this issue, point your browser to:https://www.eturbonews.com/39220/orphanage-voluntourism-responsible-tourism-gone-wrong and https://www.eturbonews.com/40792/cambodia-tourism-children-rent-hour.

Do you have a strong opinion about today’s travel and tourism affairs? Whether you want to Rant And/Or Roar (ROAR), eTN 2.0 would like to hear from you. Contact Nelson Alcantara via email at [email protected] for more details.