Have you heard of ‘voluntourism’? Well, yours truly is not exactly familiar with the term until one fine day, she was invited to join the media trip hosted by Sahabat Media CC1M in conjunction of Visit Malaysia 2014.

Joining the media trip brought me and my boys to Avani Sepang Gold Coast Resort.

Absolutely breathtaking place.

Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to stay there for a night or two.

The itinerary only includes a stop here for the launching of Voluntourism Program in conjunction of the Visit Malaysia 2014. So, what is exactly ‘voluntourism’? Well, literally, it is derived from the English word ‘Volunteer’ and ‘Tourism’ and as the word suggest, it is a combination of volunteering and tourism that enable tourists and travelers to volunteer for a good cause while sightseeing or traveling.

The goal of the program is to encourage a better tourism development in 2014 and allow people from all walks of life to be involved in Malaysian tourism. The program kicks off with 1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean where volunteers from all walks of life can help out with cleaning and beautifying initiative in Bagan Lalang Beach, Sepang.

Anyway, the Voluntourism Adoption Initiative Program includes:

1Malaysia Green, 1Malaysia Clean- involves volunteering in beautifying tourism spots and keeping them green and clean.

1Malaysia Voluntutoring- involves tutoring in language,hospitality and all sort of skills by volunteers in Homestays and tourism spots.

1Malaysia Volunsharing- one that almost everyone can participate. 🙂 Through volunsharing, volunteers may share their traveling experience on various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, etc.

1Malaysia Event- involves volunteers participation in helping out with Malaysian tourism events.

1Malaysia Culture and Heritage- involves volunteering work in promoting cultural tourism spots and heritage conservation efforts.

Mou signing ceremony between Malaysia Tourism Board and participating NGOs.

Interested to participate in the voluntourism program and help make Malaysia a better tourism spot while you enjoy your travels and sightseeing?

These scouts are some of the volunteers for the pogram. You can join too. Just hop over to https://voluntourism.motac.gov.my and sign up as a volunteer today.

Cleffairy: My boys and I are volunteering. Are you?