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VolunTourism & the Millennium Development Goals

26 January 2006
by David Clemmons

I have just read this article and delighted to see that our VWB project addresses this issue quite clearly.

1. The programme cost includes the cost of employing a local co-worker for each volunteer - at 'fair trade' rates.

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2. The programmes include employing and training ethnic minorities to own and run their own eco-tourism industry.

3. The programme includes an English language for tourism training programme for workers and school children in the targeted area.

4. The programme includes small construction projects at schools/orphanages - many are health orientated - clean water, proper toilets etc. resulting in better health and less time off sick for the children.

5. The forest augmentation component aims to increase the monthly earnings of rural families by encouraging to grow a wide range of forest products (land ownership not required) which we will promote and get to the market.

A couple of questions for you if I may:

1.Can you get me any specific information on the tax relief available to individual volunteers and/or MNC's sponsoring school groups and others on a voluntourism programme.

2. What criteria would a voluntourism experience have to meet in order for it to be considered a 'tax deductable' expense for the voluntourist/MNC.

Shane K. Beary

Thank you for sharing the great model that you and your team have developed in Thailand. Excellent Work!

In this month's Wisdom & Insight, you will find details that will answer both of your questions. If you need additional information, feel free to email me after reviewing the article.