voluntourism
noun
vol·un·tour·ism
ˌvä-lən-ˈtu̇r-ˌi-zəm 
: the act or practice of doing volunteer work as needed in the community where one is vacationing
Examples of voluntourism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Expect sunrise chants, makahiki ceremonies, and voluntourism opportunities such as reef and beach clean-ups.
—
Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025
Ghana offers a similarly structured approach to voluntourism, with programs designed to deliver measurable impact in local communities.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Reformers, with their caring nature and love for making a difference, are drawn to Hawaii’s voluntourism programs, which offer a perfect blend of adventure and service.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
For Madeleine, what started as voluntourism in Mexico continued into volunteering at home.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Both the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, and Fairmont Kea Lan) partner with the Hawaii Land Trust for voluntourism opportunities on the Waihe‘e coastal dunes.
—John Wogan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2024
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Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025
Ghana offers a similarly structured approach to voluntourism, with programs designed to deliver measurable impact in local communities.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Reformers, with their caring nature and love for making a difference, are drawn to Hawaii’s voluntourism programs, which offer a perfect blend of adventure and service.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
For Madeleine, what started as voluntourism in Mexico continued into volunteering at home.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Both the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, and Fairmont Kea Lan) partner with the Hawaii Land Trust for voluntourism opportunities on the Waihe‘e coastal dunes.
—John Wogan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Voluntourism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voluntourism. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
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