Rise of Voluntourism Presents New Challenges for Advisors
Photo Credit: A Hands Up Holidays guest teaching young people in India. Hands Up Holidays
Skift Take
Who would have thought that people would pay to do back-breaking work and enjoy the experience? Voluntourism is gaining momentum and putting pressure on advisors to match traveler skills and expectations with community and conservation needs.
Travel advisors are increasingly asked to provide more meaningful experiences, including combining community service with sightseeing. But while voluntourism —incorporating volunteering with leisure travel — is a growing trend, it’s also one that demands specialist knowledge.
UK-based agency Responsible Travel saw a 33 percent increase in volunteering holidays last year, and the growth shows no sign of slowing.
“Wildlife conservation is obviously a popular choice, along with marine conservation,” said CEO Justin Francis. Other offerings from the agency include conservation and community development in the Amazon rainforest, rebuilding projects in Nepal, and community projects in Tanzania.
Youth travel giant STA Travel reported 11 percent year-on-year growth in January for its volunteering products.
STA’s UK operation currently lists 50 volunteering projects in 22 countries around the world, ranging from working with animals and conservation projects to helping l
