A new breed of tourist

[MotherBear]

Operators cash in on new breed of tourists
2:10PM Thursday October 25, 2007

Tourism operators in New Zealand are cashing in a new breed of international traveller - those who volunteer for conservation work during their holidays.

The tourists pay for the privilege of pulling weeds, building and maintaining tracks, monitoring endangered species or working in forests.

Tourism New Zealand said for some an indulgent holiday soaking up the sun was not enough and the new breed of tourist wanted to make their holidays count.

The new venture was called "voluntourism" and was based on the Volunteer Service Abroad concept, said Tourism New Zealand in the latest issue of its magazine Tourism News.

More here .

[Burgundy21]

Brilliant: to ease the burdened conscience of the too well off they leave huge carbon footprints by flying into NZ to "save" the environment AND pay for the pleasure. Some tour operators will be rubbing their hands with glee. The way ahead to safeguard our environment is not to turn it into a saleable commodity but to encourage locals ( that's us lot too who choose to be there ) to do their bit.

[selchie]

Then again, there are times when one wants to travel a bit and not necessarily be indolent. There are times when I've been traveling, and see a botanical garden where I would love to spend some time pruning and pulling weeds. It would also be a nice way to get to know an area and its people.