Visitor Harassment Research Unit, Purdue University

10/12/2026

EMPOWERING LOCAL MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS (Jamaica): In Portland, Jamaica Geejam Hotel partnered with Tourism Product Development Company to enhance visitor experience with rafters on the Rio Grande River and improve their success. VHRU@Purdue gives this move two thumps up.



https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Freel%2FDeXdHxfvQAa%2F%3Fcplk%3DMTZ3bHBjdW5kaGQzOQ%3D%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cajnicely%40purdue.edu%7C8ae5db8054dc4a4114e408df28875156%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C1%7C0%7C639274233793608555%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=jdgzx3UWirEtjly0Oc6T9boTIzZFuqiLISbMFReAT18%3D&reserved=0

10/02/2026

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR TOURISM LEADERS: Tourism leaders should avoid the belief that “our micro business operators mean no harm, so it’s not harassment.” Visitor harassment is defined by how visitors feel. DMOs should track selling behaviors by their MBOs that trigger negative emotions in visitors and use this information to guide their training and communication with MBOs.

09/27/2026

09/20/2026

NEW YORK: Legislation aims to end fraudulent ticket sales in NYC's Battery Park

visitorharassment

New legislation is aiming to put a stop to fraudulent ticket sales ...

09/20/2026

NEW YORK: New legislative efforts to crack down on what officials call "the city's biggest scam."

09/11/2026

08/19/2026

THAILAND: 31 Ladyboys Arrested in Pattaya Crackdown on Tourist Harassment

".......Recent weeks had seen escalating public concern and media attention following several high-profile cases involving transgender women in confrontations with foreign visitors. These included physical altercations, thefts and aggressive solicitation along the beachfront and entertainment zones. The incidents had prompted tourists and local business owners to call for stronger police action....Looking forward, Pattaya authorities plan to intensify patrols and collaborate with local communities to address such issues more effectively. Continuous monitoring and engagement with diverse groups in the area are aimed at preventing further incidents while avoiding blanket stigmatization of any particular group....."

PATTAYA — Police conducted an early-morning crackdown targeting transgender women in Pattaya’s Walking Street area on April 1, 2026, arresting 31 individuals following a string of widely publicized…

08/13/2026

INDONESIA (BALI): Chinese Tourist Reports Alleged Sexual Harassment in Lovina

"......According to the tourist, however, the handshake lasted longer than she expected. She said she later realised that the man’s hand had moved toward her ge***al area.......Man Issues Apology:
Sedana was subsequently summoned by the Kalibukbuk Village Government and appeared with local officials and police officers. He also issued a video apology in the presence of police, expressing regret over the incident and saying he would not repeat similar conduct. Sedana signed a written statement as part of the village-level resolution. The village government also gave him guidance and warned that stronger action could be taken if a similar incident occurred again. His family was asked to help supervise him to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future....."

A Chinese tourist has reported alleged sexual harassment in Lovina, Bali. The Kalibukbuk Village Government later summoned the man involved.

08/03/2026

GAMBIA: "Bombsters Are a Horrendous Nuisance" – Tourism Minister Blasts Harassment of Visitors Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe

"....Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe has launched one of his strongest public attacks yet on the country's "bombster" problem, warning that persistent harassment and crime against visitors are damaging The Gambia's image...."



https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=931516643302368

08/03/2026

ST LUCIA: Robberies, assaults and rapes spur new US travel warning for popular Caribbean getaway

".....Travelers are further warned about overcharging, scams and aggressive vendors in tourist areas, though the advisory notes that many attractions have tourist police available to assist visitors....."

Americans traveling to Saint Lucia are facing a new warning from the U.S. State Department after officials raised concerns about violent crime on the Caribbean island.