Voluntourism Should Be One of Your Products

What is Voluntourism and why should I care?

Sometimes referred to as "volunteer vacations" or "volunteer travel", Voluntourism continues to be a growing segment in travel today. For those looking for long-term engagements, there are plenty of NGO's operating all over the world who welcome mostly younger people into their volunteer programs. For those who can't take a "gap year" or dedicate months to non-professional activities, voluntourism can allow them the benefit of incorporating service into their vacation planning.

Unfortunately, some "volunteer travel" programs are not all that they're cracked up to be and some have ended up being downright scams. Given some of the bad press and bad actors, why get into this at all? Well, the short answer is it's worth it, for you and your clients. Your clients have a travel need where subject expertise is a high value which means this is a perfect opportunity for travel professionals.

Why Include Voluntourism in Your Offerings?

A theme I repeatedly discuss with travel professionals and clients is the desire to create once in a lifetime experiences. There is no doubt that when done right with the right partners, your clients will achieve that goal when service is part of their travel.

Also, don't forget the business perspective. Voluntourism is also one of the best forms of group travel which is more profitable as a repeatable trip for the same or new groups.

Who's Your Potential Client?

Like most group travel, your potential clients can come from everywhere. The obvious targets would be churches, schools, and civic groups but don't leave out families and businesses when discussing this as an option.

Studies show that Baby Boomers as well as the X, Y, & Millennial generations all have a strong desire to serve and understand other cultures. 

Businesses who utilize incentive travel also seek to integrate their community service goals, and voluntourism meets all of these objectives perfectly. 

How to Get Started.

Like every type of travel or destination, you need to do the appropriate research and get the experience needed to be an expert in the marketplace. For voluntourism research, you can reach directly out to the non-profits themselves or utilize sites like voluntorism.org. Like other travel, a fam is also a great tool for personal experience.

My firm, TA Fams, has just added our very first fam that includes a day with a volunteer organization. The expectation is that like traditional tourism, this will allow the travel agents to offer first-hand experiences as a guide for their clients. We hope to expand this type of fam in the future.

Our first fam with a service element is with Kisa Safaris of Uganda, whose founder Moses Muwanguzi also founded a non-profit organization that works on projects to educate impoverished children called Omuto. 

Like voluntourism travelers, Moses puts his money where his mouth is by donating 10% of all moneys made from client tours to Omuto. For those interested, he will include a visit to the school and offer opportunities for visitors to work or just interact with those who are benefiting from the funding coming from their tour.

Giving Back is Good Business

Being in a service industry means we make our livings by helping others every day. Everyone has given away discounts or travel to help someone in need. That's why it should be no surprise that others find value in being able to use their abilities and resources to help others. In no small way, you can be a part of the giving chain by empowering your clients to give as they enjoy the fruits of their labor.

5 Reasons Your Clients Want Peru

Peru?

Yes! This is great destination for many who are seeking something they will not see in their own backyard. According to Peruvian Domestic and Foreign Tour Operators Association,  over 4 million foreign tourists will visit Peru in 2017; a 5% expansion from 2016 and a goal of more than 7 million in their bicentennial year of 2021.

If your clients are looking for adventure, Peru may be the answer!

1. The History

Peru is home to one of the seven wonders and a common "bucket list" destination of Machu Picchu. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu never disappoints. Believed to be built in the 15th century as an Inca citadel, most experts believe it was created as an estate for emperor Pachacuti. Although the true “lost city of the Incas” is more likely to be Vicabamba, after it’s abandonment in the mid 16th century Machu Picchu laid undiscovered by the Spanish Conquistadors as well as all of modernity until just a little over 100 years ago! Combined with the UNESCO sites in Cuzco this offers travelers a view into the Andes as the indigenous peoples have for millennia.

2. The People

Citizens of Peru are a diverse mix of indigenous peoples, colonial remnants of the Spanish, and immigrants from Europeans like Italians and the Spanish escaping war and overcrowding. This is why Peruvian is a civic nationality and not an indication of ethnicity. The people there are warm and welcoming to visitors opening their marketplaces, inns, historical and natural beauties to all who come. Although sometimes viewed as remote, be prepared for surprisingly upscale and advanced culinary scene. Due to it's diversity in people and raw ingredients, Lima has been regularly listed as a top destination for foodies and everyday food lovers alike. According to experts houses three of the the top 30 restaurants in the world. Same number as New York City!

3. Convenient

Getting to Peru is easier than many think with flights leaving regularly from all of the major U.S. hubs. Travel time from both the east and west coast is the same or less than going to Europe and could be half the cost!

Your clients will likely start their adventure in Peru's capital, Lima; a modern city that manages to blend it's traditional heritage with the feel of a modern city. Lima is the perfect launch and landing spot for all regardless of experience.

4. Natural Beauty

Peru is perfect for travelers looking for natural wonders. With 1500 miles of Pacific coastline, travelers can enjoy the dry tropical beaches of the north and subtropical desert climate of the central and southern stretch. Among the many sites in the Andes mountains and sitting at over 12,000 feet of elevation is Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable body of water. For hikers, 2-4 days on the Inca Trail is the best way to get to Machu Piccu.

5. Shopping

The Peruvian Sol is the accepted currency of Peru but good old U.S. Dollars work in many places as well. Currently you can get a little more than 3 Sols for $1. Most smaller villages have a market but in Lima you must go to Miraflores where dowzens of shops and even more street vendors offer one-stop shopping. Everywhere you will find elaborate pottery, textiles, jewelry, and sculptures based on the Pre-Inca cultures. Peruvian handicrafts may be best known for the vibrant geometrical designs with  Alpacas and vicuñas providing the wool used in traditional weaving. All of these can be carried or shipped home at a reasonable cost.

Summary

Are your clients looking for adventure, history, natural beauty in a convenient and cost effect destination? Peru may just be the answer.

If you have never been to Peru yourself, consider a fam trip like ours at TA Fams. It just might be the experience that helps YOU SELL the experience!