New Additions to the Travel Lexicon: "Geotourism" and "Voluntourism."
“Geotourism” is a term describing travel that “focuses on a destination’s unique culture and history and aims to have visitors help enrich those qualities.” Coined several years ago by the National Geographic Society, the term hasn’t yet caught on among most travelers. But it’s on the lips of travel professionals who describe it as a step beyond the better-known environmentally friendly "ecotourism." While geotourism encourages treading lightly on nature, it’s also about authenticity and making a place better by visiting and spending money.
However you want to define it, it’s clear that travelers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact they have.
However you want to define it, it’s clear that travelers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact they have.
Just this month, I discovered two "green" adventure companies in North America and an accommodation in Central America who have something to fit that bill. Yeah!
Many discerning travelers are taking up a form of travel that constitutes another recent addition to the travel lexicon: voluntourism.
Charlie Rounds of RSVP Vacations said it best at the recent CMI Tourism Conference, where he spoke of companies like his and the new Sweet cruise company who encourage their passengers to come early, help a cause and feel good about contributing their time and their money to the environment and the community.
1 comment:
Thanks Dee - yes, 'voluntourism' is fast coming into popular usage!
I founded Hands Up Holidays (www.handsupholidays.com), an award winning voluntourism operator (with an emphasis on geotourism as well!) to make it easy for people to have amazing volunteer travel experiences: trips which blend eco-sightseeing with a taste of volunteering.
We focus on small group and tailor-made adventures, and all of our volunteer projects have been designed so that you can make a positive impact in just 3-5 days.
All our trips are carbon offset on your behalf.
All our trips will depart with just two people booking; and we can tailor-make a trip for your exact requirements!
Come and join us for a volunteer travel adventure that counts!
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