Tourism is changing and people are travelling to experience new sides of their hobbies and interests. The Caribbean’s tourism industry has been trying to move with these changes and provide new experiences for prospective visitors. One way that the region can improve its travel market is to align with people who can provide new insights, create innovative solutions, and identify risks and problems. Volunteers are good for Caribbean tourism and they can provide the expertise, skills and knowledge that the region needs.
What is Voluntourism?
World Vision defines voluntourism as a form of tourism which travellers engage in voluntary work. A combination of the words “volunteer” and “tourism”, it describes a process where people visit other areas to provide their time, skills and expertise to a needy and worthy cause. Volunteer programs can have positive long-term impacts and can stimulate economic activity.
From time to time the volunteer industry receives scathing criticism. In many instances, the cases are related to orphanages and the exploitation of children. However, many of these criticisms are attached to poorly managed and disorganised programs with little or no oversight. When looking for volunteer opportunities, always research the organisation and their volunteer practices.
Why Volunteers are Good for Caribbean Tourism
There are many reasons why volunteers are good for Caribbean tourism. In the Caribbean voluntourism benefits the host countries, the volunteer organisations and the volunteers. These types of programs can impact millions of people and change their outlooks on life and living.
For the host country, there is the chance of creating a sustainable economy. When volunteers travel to the Caribbean, they often pay their way. They will need somewhere to stay, food to eat, and will utilise services in the country. This can create jobs for locals and boost the local economy. In addition, the targets of the programs will receive the attention and help they deserve. This is especially beneficial for regions that are focused on preserving natural resources and protecting vulnerable areas and wildlife and birds.
Volunteer organisations can also benefit from charity programs. They can push forward their missions and projects quite economically, which allows them to divert funds to other projects. Additionally, the funds that volunteers pay to participate in programs can also be used to support projects. Organisations are also able to provide valuable learning opportunities and create pathways to employment.
There are also many benefits for the volunteers. In addition to contributing to a cause, volunteers can experience the culture of the Caribbean, learn about the ins and outs of the region, and educate themselves about the field they are volunteering in. And they can also develop new skills and competencies and put them to use for a good cause. Volunteering in the Caribbean can also allow to boost your career prospects whilst changing your perspective of the world.
Examples of Voluntourism in the Caribbean
There are many examples of voluntourism in the Caribbean. Volunteer projects are diverse and there are opportunities in various categories. Some of the projects identified on the top international volunteer websites include:
- Animal Care: Animal Care Volunteer Program in Jamaica – St Mary
- Business and Community Development: Community Development Volunteer Project in Puerto Rico – San Juan
- Child and Youth Development: Youth Development Facilitator in the Dominican Republic (Peace Corps)
- Kindergarten and Primary School: Teaching Assistant in Tobago
- Marine Conservation: Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in Belize
- Nature Research and Conservation: Discover Corps – Cuba – Preserving Nature’s Wonders
- Special Needs: Autism on the Seas (Cruise Industry)
- Sustainable Agriculture & Community Development: Help on Mountain Top Sustainable Farm in beautiful Puerto Rico
- Teaching Languages & School Support: Spanish Primary School Literacy Promoter in the Dominican Republic
How to Volunteer in the Caribbean
For more information about volunteering in the Caribbean, visit Volunteering in the Caribbean. This guide outlines the different types of volunteer programs and identifies some of the volunteer programs in the Caribbean.
References
World Vision: Voluntourism: The Good and The Bad
The Borgen Project: The Benefits of Voluntourism
Moving Mountains: Benefits of volunteer tourism
Go Abroad: Voluntourism: How It Will Benefit You & Your Host Country
Image: Christian Lambert via Unsplash
