Travel Experiences That Make a Difference
Giving Back is the Humanitarian Way To See the World
The Signal - Business Section, April, 2006
Helping others never felt so good. With increasing awareness of the significant impact our efforts can have on improving the lives of others, the demand for philanthropy travel experiences has reached an all-time high.
From delivering medicine to a remote village in India by horseback, to building libraries in Vietnam, exciting and meaningful travel adventures are available throughout the world. So many people have already done the touristy things in destinations across the world, now the desire is to give back and help others when traveling. It’s so much more than visiting the Mona Lisa, today’s enlightened travelers want to roll up their sleeves and immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences, seeing how some people still live and helping to improve conditions.
Unfortunately, underdeveloped nations and poverty-stricken communities exist everywhere. Not just in Third World countries half a globe away, even here in the United States there are states and towns that need our help. Travel has taken on a new meaning with the responsibility of contributing to the greater good.
The hospitality industry has also joined this effort. Major hotel groups have embraced the need to participate in creating sustainable communities in the destinations in which they have properties. Hotels from Costa Rica to Cambodia are increasing their hands-on efforts well beyond bringing jobs to the people of these locations. This outreach entails giving back. Whether it is donating a percentage of room night revenues, supplying local schools with books, hospitals with medicine, or volunteering time to erect buildings, plow fields and plant crops, every bit of energy makes a significant impact on everyone involved.
And that’s really the point. Travelers are looking for ways to make a difference while enjoying the opportunity to see the far corners of the world. Habitat for Humanity has worked community magic throughout the needy states in the U.S. and abroad by getting individuals and groups involved in building homes. There are a host of international organizations offering unique humanitarian adventure travel experiences that deliver the reward and personal satisfaction of helping others.
One comprehensive website, http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/, offers a selection of destinations and travel experiences that supports sustainable tourist development. Calling the adventures Travelers’ Philanthropy Projects, the trips are all about empowering communities through education, increased literacy, medical attention, scholarship funds, providing necessary supplies and building structures from schools to libraries to housing, among others.
In a recent survey of Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers, more than half of those polled reported they feel luxury hotels in low-income areas should contribute to the local community. The readers also believe these hotels can significantly improve the surrounding poverty conditions by making contributions, including jobs and needed social programs. Most surveyed agreed that given the choice, they would chose to stay at a hotel or resort that was supporting the community, versus one that was not.
So how do you find out what your favorite four-star hotel is doing for the local population? Simply ask. Philanthropy travel is the socially-responsible way to do business these days, and most properties and tour companies are more than happy to share their ethical practices with conscientious travelers.
Giving money is one thing, but actually traveling to an impoverished town to do something is an experience of a lifetime for you and has the lasting affect of a lifetime on those you touch. Make a difference when you travel.
For more information
contact Nicole Stinson, Public Relations
(310) 312-3368
