Deconstructing volunteer tourism: benevolence or self-serving altruism?

In recent years, short-term international volunteer trips have increased the popularity and availability of global health experiences. These trips traditionally involve volunteers from high-income countries in the Global North, travelling to low- and middle-income countries to assist in service-led development activities (Loiseau et al, 2016). A growing awareness of global inequities has led to the subsequent rise of international volunteering. Often called volunteer tourism, or ‘voluntourism’, short-term international work manifests itself in many forms, varying in duration and objectives.

Volunteer tourism is widely hailed as a selfless and charitable industry that benefits both tourists and host communities (Guttentag, 2009). However, despite this benevolent depiction, there exists limited discussion on any negative impacts this sector may have.

This comment takes a critical stance; however, it is important to note that volunteer tourism can, in many ways, be beneficial and positive. In fact, all forms of tourism exhibit characteristics which garner both praise and criticism and should be viewed accordingly. Moreover, this short article does not serve to promote the destruction and abandonment of volunteer tourism as an industry. Rather, it is argued that a greater awareness of the negative impacts associated with volunteer tourism is fundamental and necessary. As such, this comment aims to deconstruct pre-existing ideas, inspire critical discussion, and encourage introspective thought.