Voluntourism

Heaven help me, yet another nasty new noun, the unholy marriage of "volunteer" and "tourism".

Voluntourism, an act carried out by "voluntourists", is when hoardes of - generally - the great unwashed backpacker brigade descend on a place to do have a jolly nice holiday - usually at precious little cost to themselves - and do the occasional bit of good work.

Looks good on one's CV as a gap year activity.

Voluntourist 1: Shall we go to Khao Lak to engage in a spot of voluntourism?
Voluntourist 2: No, tsunami voluntourism is old hat now. All the bars are closed and hardly anyone is living in the houses built, anyway.
Voluntourist 1: Good point. (pauses) Sierra Leone?
Vouluntourist 2: Are you insane?

Voluntourism by Roo September 6, 2005

voluntourism

the visiting of another place to help with humanitarian aid and/or disaster relief efforts

This voluntourism urge is getting out of hand. The people don't need anymore heroes. they have enough help.

voluntourism by The Return of Light Joker April 7, 2011

voluntourism

Voluntourism is the act of visiting a place as a volunteer to aid in the recovery of that place from a disaster in a hands-on manner.

The most recent example of voluntourism is post-Katrina New Orleans, where faith-based and non-profit organizations, such as Habitat For Humanity, have been working to help residents rebuild their houses.

voluntourism by Rev. Donald Bohn January 27, 2007