What the term usually refers to
Voluntourism is often used to describe volunteer experiences undertaken by tourists visiting a country without the intent to stay. In this context however, voluntourism refers to the organisations charging large amounts of money for experiences that directly contribute to reduced environmental welfare.
On the right is an example of one of the most well-known forms of voluntourism - elephant rides, believed to be a harmless way to spend time with elephants. In reality, this causes the animals a lot of pain, and often keeps them living in poor conditions.
Why People Plan It is against voluntourism
Negative voluntourism takes assistance away from the organisations that are actually improving the world and gives it to organisations more focused on profit margin and level of engagement. We believe in real opportunities with real, dedicated organisations.
You may not think of zoos when you imagine voluntourism, but some zoos are more focused on the money they can make from people who want to help, rather than on rehabilitation and education. In these cases, animals are kept in sub-par habitats, often lacking any semblance of their natural environment.
We can make real change - Together
Our focus is on direct opportunities and clear expectations.
We want to focus real connections and lasting joy, for our volunteers, environment, and animals.
