"Ms. Cardinalli’s experiences in Afghanistan have made her an outspoken advocate for the protection of children from sexual abused."
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) November 30, 2012

International Tour Management Institute (ITMI), America’s premier training and certification program for professional tour directors and guides is the first school to integrate human trafficking awareness into its curriculum and to become a signatory to the ECPAT Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.

ITMI is proud that AnnaMaria Cardinalli will be a part of its Code signing ceremony in Albuquerque on January 30th, 2013. Ms. Cardinalli served as part of a U.S. Military Human Terrain Team in Afghanistan, where she was assigned to research the sexual practices of the Pashtun. Her investigation and subsequent report brought to light the prevalent sexual abuse of young boys, and as Sara Carter described it in the Washington Examiner, the "vast gulf between U.S. and Afghan attitudes about homosexuality and pedophilia.”

Ms. Cardinalli’s experiences in Afghanistan have made her an outspoken advocate for the protection of children from sexual abuse. Her book, currently titled "Crossing the Wire," relating her experiences, is slated for release in spring 2013. Ms. Cardinalli holds a Ph.D. in Theology from Notre Dame University. Her musical performances include a solo recital at the Kennedy Center, appearances for the Prince of Spain and Pope John Paul II, and multiple performances of the Concierto de Aranjuez with various orchestras.

“As a leader in the education of tour directors, guides and tourism industry professionals it is our responsibility to provide our students and partners with the training to recognize and report potential traffickers,” said Ted Bravos, CEO of ITMI. “Tourism industry professionals can make a tremendous impact in helping to end this horrific crime.”

About ITMI:
Since 1976, ITMI has been America’s premier training and certification program for professional tour directors, guides and travel staff. For more information about ITMI or the Symposium, contact Annemarie Osborne Annemarie.Osborne(at)gmail(dot)com (800) 442-4864 (415) 957-9489 or visit http://www.itmisf.com.