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Volunteer Tourism Support |
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Volunteer tourism is defined as travel & holidays that give something back to the world, which leaves the guest with a highly rewarding & life changing experience. We have informally experienced this Tourism after Hurricane Ivan but have been unawares of its methodology and formulation. Volunteer tourism describes a field of tourism in which travelers visit a destination and take part in projects in the local community; it is also known as stewardship or civic tourism. Projects are commonly nature-based, people-based or involve restoration of buildings and artifacts.
The volunteer tourism program will be culturally respectful, basing the development on the Grenadian tradition of “Maroon” culture as a as a platform of engaging volunteer tourism. “Maroon” culture represented in communal labor pools and celebration. “Maroon” is also the name given to communities, which is the integration of various African/Amerindian ethnic groups for their suitable survival. They did not just coexist harmoniously with each other, but with nature, demonstrated in their use of herbal medicines and the art of camouflage. A significant trait of maroon culture is the communal cooking, cultural sharing, working and celebration.
 For the purpose of meeting the needs of support and the sustainability of community development, PIA has established a relationship with the development of Scientific, Academic, Volunteer and Educational (SAVE) Travel Alliance as formulated by the partnership of George Washington University, Solimar International, Counterpart International and National Geographic Society. It will take community dedication, empowerment, guidance, support, evaluation and monitoring to create successful community development. Volunteer tourism has the potential to neutrally affect and sustain the independent development of communities.
Volunteer tourism packages are tailor-made for the community’s development needs. Communities and stakeholders in the development will collaborate in the development of packages and cost of package will cover the cost of hosting the volunteers. 70% 80% of the cost of the volunteer package will go directly to the community and their project.
See You Tube video on Volunteer Tourism
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