SYNERGY ECO-TOURS
The term ecotourism was initially used to describe nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. The concept has, developed to an enlightening, participatory travel experience to environments, both natural and cultural, that ensures the sustainable use, at an appropriate level, of environmental resources.
Ecotourism is cultural tourism (a cross-cultural experience), nature tourism (assisting with conservation programs), a travel-learn experience (discover how we are coping with modernity), a little bit of soft adventure (just being here is an adventure), and benefiting the well-being of indigenous peoples.
Our goal at Synergy Tours & Cruises is to enable people to enjoy and learn about the natural, historical and cultural characteristics of unique environments while preserving the integrity of those sites. Through our suppliers we hope to offer our customers a unique and active opportunity to explore new and old destinations, in the Southwest and the world. Please call us at 602-276-9008 and let us help you your next Eco-Tour or Volunteer-Tour.
Voluntourism Partner - Planeterra Foundation
Synergy is partnering with TIES and Planeterra Foundation to collaborate on a number of initiatives to educate and engage travelers in voluntourism activities that give back to destinations, contribute to the sustainable development of communities, and provide unique opportunities to make personal connections with the local people. Planeterra was founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, the largest independent adventure travel company in the world. Planeterra evolved out of a long history of travelers committed to finding ways to give back to the people and places they visit. "Voluntourism is Planeterra's specialty. We believe it is an important part of making tourism more sustainable, that it provides travellers and communities a way to connect, to learn, to appreciate each other's cultures, and work towards a better future. Our Voluntours provide opportunities for travelers to engage in community projects that are working on health, education, conservation and small business opportunities around the world." - Planeterra,
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Contribute Your Time & Talent You do not need to be affluent, or be able to afford months of free time, to be part of something meaningful and rewarding that helps empower local people, support communities, and enhance skills, capacity and knowledge through travel. |
Is Voluntourism for You?
As you travel the world, encounter new cultures and gain memorable experiences, consider volunteering some of your time and talent, and adding a unique voluntouring stay to your itinerary the next time you travel!
"Voluntourism ... recognizes the importance of two key factors: balance and reciprocity. A balanced engagement alternating between voluntary service and tourism activities allows for a reciprocal relationship with communities." - David Clemmons, Founder, Voluntourism.org
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The Power of Giving Back Participating in voluntourism activities is a great way to enjoy unique travel experiences, and to enrich your trip with authentic and rewarding memories. You can make a difference in the lives of the local people!
"Voluntourism is ... a wonderful opportunity to develop meaningful contact with people, bridging the cultural gap between 'us' and 'them and to bringing us closer to a global 'we'." - Jason Rolan, Voluntourism Director, North by North East Travel Services (Thailand/Lao PDR)
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Opportunities for greater interaction with local communities
We define voluntourism as travel experiences that provide the opportunity to contribute to local community projects and development initiatives with some time off to visit the highlights of that particular destination or country. It's essential that we consider the impacts these trips can have to ensure there are benefits for local people and their environments.
Enjoy Costa Rica and contribute to sea turtle conservation!
Travelers participating in the Project Costa Rica voluntour trip can help the sea turtle conservation efforts by carrying out beach patrols, monitoring of the baby turtles, general infrastructure maintenance, data collection, beach clean-ups, as well as counting baby turtles and releasing them. Planeterra's voluntourism and sea turtle conservation program.
Planettera Projects: Sustainable Change through Voluntourism
Through local organizations, international charities, and travel industry partners, Planeterra has developed a network of 30+ community projects around the world that focus on health, education, community development, micro-enterprise, conservation and employment skills training.
Give us a call and
start treading lightly, in a different and unique way around the world.
Call us at 602-276-9008
Synergy Tours & Cruises
2320 East Baseline Rd. Ste.148- 468
Phoenix, Arizona 85042-6951
mike@SynergyTours.com Registration form