While voluntourism has faced criticism in some regions, including concerns over “orphanage tourism” in Cambodia or unskilled volunteers in construction projects, experts said that when done ethically, it can benefit both the host communities and visitors.
According to a 2019 United Nations tourism report, responsible voluntourism can promote sustainable development goals – particularly in education and gender equality.
BROADER PUSH FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
Across Malaysia, voluntourism has been welcomed as a way to entice tourists to stay longer, to return and to spend more.
Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, said other groups have been bringing tourists in to teach and even help to build facilities.
“It’s not just funding but literally putting your hands to the till. The best incentive there is – you go back feeling great,” he added.
Last year, Malaysia launched an environmental, social and governance (ESG) certification for hotels to promote sustainable tourism practices.
Industry players said member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can also benefit from one another’s social enterprises by creating a regionally recognised ESG certification.
Faisol Abdullah, an adviser at SURI Langkawi, a social enterprise that recycles old bedsheets and linens donated by hotels into handcrafted souvenirs, believes ASEAN members can share more than tourism dollars.
“There’s so much potential if we can share our culture together with everybody, (no matter) what religion or what culture we profess,” he added.
Source: CNA
