Travelanthropist on VolunTourist Discussing Website & Traveler’s Philanthropy
Yesterday, I was on the VolunTourist, a weekly webcast of Voluntourism.org, to share about our website and traveler’s philanthropy. Among the many things we discussed were our vision for Travelanthropist and how we see voluntourism within the context of traveler’s philanthropy. I thought I would share some of those thoughts here since we have not done so for a while.
Most websites we’ve come across on travel philanthropy and voluntourism are targeted at industry players, very few are meant for travelers. We recognized the need for a website about travel philanthropy and voluntourism specifically for travelers — an underserved market. We launched this site for travelers — those who are new to, interested in or already adopters of travel that makes a difference. In an industry that is still rather fragmented, we hope to be a trusted online destination, one place for travelers to get the latest news, inspiring stories, thought-provoking content, destination spotlights, providers directory, tips, guides, and resources in travel philanthropy without having to go to dozens of websites.
Traveler’s philanthropy means different things to different people. Our working definition of traveler’s philanthropy is simple — traveler’s kindness/charity/giving towards a destination (its people, community, etc). Within traveler’s philanthropy, there are different levels of connections with the destination and its people.
- At the broadest level is an awareness and respect toward the place and the people — this is often espoused as responsible travel. So one way to show philanthropy is to help stimulate the local economy.
- The next level involves donating to a cause in a destination. Sometimes the donor may travel to see the project that his/her financial contribution supports.
- At a deeper level is volunteering at a destination. The local community has a need and the volunteer provides a concrete and immediate help/skill to meet that need. This involves a tangible engagement with the destination.
- At the deepest level is voluntourism, the combination of volunteering and tourism. It probably involves the most active and personal engagement with the destination within traveler’s philanthropy. Tourism is essential because you can’t fully appreciate the local people until you see and get to know their country; and volunteering is a tangible act of connection with the destination.We believe that a balanced combination of tourism and volunteering enriches the traveler’s experience of and deepens his/her connection to the destination.
I believe this summary captures the heart of what Travelanthropist is about.
To hear our entire interview on the webcast, click below:
– Linda Chew, Managing Editor, Travelanthropist
photo by mercedes ramirez guerrero
webcast courtesy of the voluntourist
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