US ambassador apologises for Philippines sex tourism remarks

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas has apologised for suggesting that 40% of male tourists visit the country for sex.

Ambassador Thomas sent a text message to the Philippine Foreign Secretary, Albert del Rosario, expressing regret for his comments, which provoked an outcry among officials unhappy at their country being portrayed as a haven for sex tourists.

Thomas said in the text message, which was released to journalists, "I should not have used the 40% statistic without the ability to back it up. I regret any harm that I may have caused."

US embassy spokeswoman Tina Malone said Thomas "offered his deep regret" for his comment made during a conference last month.

Malone stated that the US would continue to be a "strong and dedicated partner of the Filipino people in combating the global scourges of human trafficking and sexual tourism."

Thomas also told the conference on human trafficking in the Philippines last month that the sex tourists included Americans and that it was "something I'm not proud of", urging Philippine authorities to prosecute all foreign sex tourists, including Americans.

The Philippines is trying to revive its tourism industry and erase its reputation as a sex tourism hotspot.

As a former US colony, the Philippines hosted American bases until the early 1990s, and communities around the military facilities became havens for prostitution that catered to American servicemen.

This week the Philippine Justice Secretary, Leila de Lima, wrote to Thomas seeking further information about his data after the ambassador said the justice department was the source of his information.

De Lima told reporters such comments from a diplomat were offensive and demeaning since they portrayed the Philippines as a "country of sex workers".

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.