Hot trend: Tap the humanitarian travel market

(Originally published in TOURISM)

Vacations with a purpose - or humanitarian travel or eco-friendly trips - are quickly catching on as the hottest new travel trend, according to various sources quoted in an article in TravelMole by David Wilkening.

"Volunteer vacations are a growing trend among individuals seeking to 'give back' during their time away from work and home," says

CheapTickets.com. The company, and United Way of America, have announced the launch of a new website to support consumers who want to book a

volunteer vacation. The groups call it "vacationing with a purpose." Travellers can dedicate a full week to their volunteer vacation of

choice or simply take a day or two out of an already pre-planned getaway.

"CheapTickets customers want the opportunity to support communities like New Orleans with their volunteer efforts during the day, while

experiencing attractions like Bourbon Street's jazz clubs and restaurants by night," said Steven Barnhart, president and Chief Financial

Officer of Orbitz Worldwide, which operates the CheapTickets brand.

A recent survey by CheapTickets found that almost half of travellers have heard of a volunteer vacation, and would consider taking a vacation

for the sole purpose of volunteering. More than half of would consider taking a day or two out of an already planned vacation to volunteer in

a city near where they are vacationing, and 68% of travellers would likely use a travel website to learn more about volunteer vacations.

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