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

voluntourist

ˌvä-lən-ˈtu̇r-ist 

noun

Examples of voluntourism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Decades later, most of Loreto's outfitters, including kayak guides and tour boat operators, encourage voluntourism: On the multiday kayak and camping adventures that Callahan leads, guests monitor wildlife and help clean up beaches. —Michele Bigley, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Dec. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

blend of volunteer entry 3 and tourism

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above