Voluntourism

The last two decades have seen the growth of a particular type of tourism activity known as voluntourism. Also referred to as volunteer tourism, volunteer travel, or volunteer holidays, voluntourism is a form of volunteerism. In essence, it means tourism that combines travel to a destination with voluntary labor for a worthy cause (excluding paid working holidays).

Perceptions of the meaning of voluntourism differ. For example, some might see it as a holiday that may involve engagement in altruistic activities, perhaps for the benefit of a local community. Alternatively, it may be seen as a combination of service, adventure, and professional development or networking, typically matched with the tourist’s personal interests. Or it may simply be about [Page 1418]meaningful and ethical holiday choices that offer authentic ...