Africa tops voluntourism destinations

The University of San Diego in the United States has compiled statistics regarding the popular trend of voluntourism, reporting that 40 percent of Americans travelling abroad are willing to include a stint as a volunteer in a developing country on their itineraries during extended trips abroad. A further 13 percent said they would gladly offer their volunteer services for the period of one year.

Over 1,400 adults in the United States were polled for the survey, and age groups varied greatly, with Generation Y members sharing common goals with retirees. Director of the Center for Global Volunteer Services Bob Benson says, “More and more people in all stages of life are thinking of becoming ‘voluntourists. People are looking to spend their vacations and retirement in meaningful ways that make contributions to others.”

Africa caem in at number one, followed by East Asia, South America. Mexico and Western Europe tied for 4th spot, and the remainder of the list comprises of Eastern Europe, Central America, Pacific Islands, Australia and the Middle East.