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
The luxury of a vacation on these islands makes pitching in with a little voluntourism feel like no biggie.
—Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 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
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Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025
The luxury of a vacation on these islands makes pitching in with a little voluntourism feel like no biggie.
—Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 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
Cite this Entry
“Voluntourism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voluntourism. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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