Collaborative Tourism: What is it and how can Cardiff students get involved?

Words by Megha Roy Page Design by Rida Rehman

Collaborative tourism, as defined by Worldpackers. com, is a growing movement that encourages the exchange of services and resources for authentic travel experiences. This concept is founded on the sharing economy model, where individuals can offer their skills, talents, or time in exchange for travel opportunities. This alternative approach to tourism seeks to change the traditional view of travel as an activity reserved for the privileged few by offering immersive experiences for those on a budget.

In collaborative tourism, participants may work or volunteer abroad, teaching English, working in a hostel, or performing other tasks in exchange for accommodation and sometimes meals. This model allows travellers to explore new destinations whilst immersing themselves in local cultures and communities. By working alongside locals, travellers can experience the destination in a more meaningful way, gaining insight into the local culture and customs that they may not have otherwise experienced.

This movement has the potential to be very important in the future, as it offers a unique and authentic way to travel on a budget, promoting cultural exchange and supporting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both travellers and local communities. Collaborative tourism also has a positive impact on the environment, as it promotes low-impact tourism by encouraging travellers to reduce their environmental impact while traveling.

As before mentioned, one of the main benefits of collaborative tourism is that it provides opportunities for travellers who may not have the financial means to travel otherwise. Collaborative tourism is particularly beneficial for students and young people who are often limited by financial constraints. Working while ‘travelling’ means that you do not need to save lump sums of money before jetting off, allow you to gain valuable travel experiences without breaking the bank.

However, it is important to note that collaborative tourism is not without its challenges. Some critics argue that this model can perpetuate the exploitation of low-wage workers, particularly in developing countries. It is important for participants to ensure that they are not taking advantage of local workers or contributing to a cycle of poverty.

That said, collaborative tourism can be an excellent option for Cardiff students who are looking for an affordable and authentic travel experience. Many students are often constrained by budgets and may struggle to afford traditional tourism options so collaborative tourism offers a unique solution by providing opportunities to work or volunteer in exchange for travel experiences. Cardiff students can take advantage of a range of opportunities offered by various platforms, including World-packers, Work-away, and HelpX. These platforms allow travellers to connect with hosts who are looking for help with various tasks such as teaching English, working in hostels, or farm work in exchange for accommodation and meals.

These opportunities not only provide a chance to explore new destinations but also offer a unique way to immerse oneself in local cultures and communities. This can be particularly beneficial for students who are interested in learning about different cultures and languages. Collaborative tourism allows students to gain firsthand experience, making it an excellent option for those studying subjects like anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies.

It can also provide students with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, which can be beneficial for their future careers. Many of these opportunities involve working in tourism-related industries, which can provide students with a chance to develop skills such as customer service, communication, and problem-solving.

Moreover, collaborative tourism can be an excellent way for students to contribute to sustainable tourism practices. As mentioned earlier, collaborative tourism emphasises low-impact tourism, meaning it directly benefits local communities and is respectful of wildlife, local people and their cultures. Also, staying locally rather than in big franchise hotels reduces your carbon footprint, which can be particularly important for students who are interested in environmental studies and sustainability.

In summary, collaborative tourism offers a unique and affordable way for Cardiff students to travel and gain valuable experiences. This model promotes cultural exchange, sustainable tourism practices, and can be an excellent way for students to gain valuable work experience. Students interested in collaborative tourism can research and apply for opportunities that align with their interests and skills, making it an accessible and enriching travel option.