Voluntourism – A Growing Trend in Incentive Travel
Voluntourism in the Caribbean
Do high-earning achievers who qualify for luxurious Caribbean incentive travel really want to give up time on the golf course to paint a local school or refurbish a community library? More and more, Incentive Houses and Corporate Event Planners are finding that the answer is a resounding “yes.” Voluntourism and Corporate Social Responsibility activities are now finding a place in the world of Incentive Travel. Furthermore, volunteer projects tie into the growing popularity of experiential travel.
Case Study In Saint Lucia
Today, the manner in which incentive groups are participating in volunteer projects are as varied as the destinations they visit. This ranges from wildlife conservation in South Africa to renovation ventures in the Caribbean. Barefoot Holidays St. Lucia recently hosted an incentive program of 80 attendees from Europe, USA and Canada. As part of the program, participants renovated and beautified a school in the southwest of the island. In one day, the team and attendees set out to paint the school, repair lunch tables and book shelves, give blackboards a facelift and complete landscaping in the schoolyard. One very special part of the program was the motivating murals created by the attendees, students, parents and teachers. The participants all enjoyed the grand barbeque lunch prepared on that day. The group spent the rest of the week exploring Saint Lucia’s picturesque scenery and rich attractions while sampling delicious local cuisine.
“We notice that people are increasingly asking to inculcate a give back component in their program” says Erwin Louisy, President of Barefoot Holidays DMC St Lucia. “If you sail along the Caribbean blue waters or visit the drive-in volcano, you will be truly amazed but nothing compares to being part of a charitable endeavor.” Giving back inspires people and this significantly increases the motivation level of the participants. These trips are truly “win-win” and we would be happy to help you plan your next Socially Responsible Incentive Trip in Saint Lucia.