Looking into a different sector of the tourism world, one can uncover the concept of voluntourism. Now many may wonder what that concept consists of, well this is an effort by humans to better other communities around the road while gaining a cultural experience. This can often be seen through mission trips and other outreach organizations that send groups of people to help those in communities struggling or underdeveloped. Many religious groups take part in these trips yearly, as they send their mission teams to countries such as Kenya and Haiti helping them build up structures and creating connections for all members in the community. In addition, organizations around the world connect with activist groups and send members and volunteers there as well. Many of my friends have been around the globe in efforts to help others and I truly pride and commend those doing so.
As we saw in the documentary The Goose with the Golden Eggs on YouTube, many tourists who proclaimed to be helping the community ended up building tourism along the coastline. While many may see this a beneficial project conducted by those looking to help, one can understand the big hotels and tourist attractions made an impact of Costa Rica’s costars shores. This can be applied to many different movements of groups around the US, aiming to make a positive change. Little do some know that this major economic impact of creating these tourists’ spots can lead to hurt and destruction of these cities. Applying these concepts personally, I believe that voluntourism can do more damage than good. I think that a lot of people go into with good intentions often leaving it for residents who don’t know how to properly sustain an environment with so many visitors. As people travel to many common destinations frequently to help, they do their part then leave for the residents to keep up.
In asking friends who have attended these kinds of trips recently, I have discovered many do it for their moral character. The need to help others and obtain that feeling of contributing while being on a “mission trip” is what fulfills their need to help “change the world”. Now not all people go to these destinations for this reason, but it is transparent to me that many don’t have an underlying motive besides themselves for taking the trip. When being informed of trips like these from friends, I typically hear about all the fun activities they did and saw before what they did for the community and others. While this may seem like I have poor friends, it’s often about the personal gain for most unfortunately. If I were to ever to take a trip like this, I know I would be passionate about the community and the underlying issues that we can change within a week – not tourism hotspots for us to invade and impact the community in a negative way!
In looking for a balance between both perspectives like my friends and mine, I would call on organizations to make sure these trips sending large groups have a strong focus with achievable goals for the members. In addition, making sure to communicate needs of that certain area to organizations prior to create a concrete plan of the trip is key. While one can still enjoy the environment they are in and take the opportunity to gain new experiences, having a mindset of being there for the people is what religious groups and organizations needs to instill in one’s mind. Knowing your plan to achieve and best affect the community should be the main focus, in aims to create the best balance for volutourists worldwide.
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