Living There
Ecotourism has long been a staple of people seeking an enjoyable respite away from home. In a new take on vacation adventures, an article in the Boston Globe explains that “altru-tourism” allows Americans a chance to see a new part of the world while being able to provide assistance to the people living in desperate conditions. Although eco-tourism and altru-tourism are not the only options for vacationers, they do provide an exciting and beneficial alternative to the traditional annual couples or family vacation.
Worldwide Economic Impacts of Altru-tourism
Altru-tourism has the potential to create a considerable impact on the local economies of third-world communities as well as off-the-beaten-path communities in Western nations. Visiting travelers purchase food from local farmers and restaurants, pay for their lodging at the homes of residents and purchase goods and services from the local artisans. While the vacationers are in town, they typically perform some sort of a community service project such as construction or rehabilitation of a medical facility, school or orphanage. They may also undertake projects such as construction of community stores and marketplaces where locals can sell their wares. These vacation investments allow vacationers to make a considerable impact with their disposable income.
Economic Impacts on Communities
From the increase in visitors to these communities, the locales gain economic advantages through usage taxes, hotel taxes, fuel taxes, sales taxes and more. The work hours put in by the volunteers also has a considerable economic impact on the area, as that is less money the community has to pay for labor to initiate and complete needed projects. The adage of buying local allows the dollars of tourists to have a greater impact in these places than the money would elsewhere. Going on an altru-tourism trip enlightens the visitors about the area and may inspire them to schedule a return visit to the area.
Economic Altru-tourism Benefits for Locals
Residents of towns visited by altru-tourists benefit economically in many ways from their guests. The increased traffic means a greater demand for both goods and services. The visitors will need food to eat, water to drink and a place to stay during their visit. The visitors may also need to arrange for services such as repairs for bicycles and cars or personal services such as washing of clothes. The visitors are able to boost the local economy in a way that may increase the availability of jobs for the community’s residents so they can make a living wage to care for their families.
Economic Altru-tourism Benefits for Vacationers
People participating in an altru-tourism vacation gain many economic advantages for themselves as well. Destinations that are off the common tourist routes often offer lower cost lodging and food than larger and more popular areas. Local entertainment such as music and the arts may be more affordable in these places as well. Vacationers often learn valuable skills such as bike repair that can save them money upon their return home.
