‘Voluntourism’ to take centre stage at north Norfolk travel show
Molly Cook, from Norwich, volunteering in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with Raleigh International in 2016. The charity will be among the exhibitors at an upcoming North Norfolk Travel Show at Holkham Hall, near Wells. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARY - Credit: Archant
Combining volunteering with travel is becoming ever more popular, and now so-called 'voluntourism' will be a focus of an upcoming travel show in north Norfolk.
Holkham Hall is hosting the North Norfolk Travel Show on Sunday, March 10, featuring more than 40 exhibitors.
James Pettitt, one of the organisers of the event, said voluntourism was booming in popularity, particularly among young adults.
Mr Pettitt, from Holt, said: 'It's now being seen as a gap-year equivalent. It's younger people in particular who have that social conscience are want to give back to communities around the world, and I think we are seeing that in north Norfolk.'
Among the groups at the travel show will be Raleigh International, a sustainable development charity which works to improve sanitation and conditions in communities around the world.
Mr Pettitt said other highlights of the show would include an environmental exhibition by Incredible Oceans and a photo workshop led by award-winning photographer Justin Minns.
Travel journalist Jane Archer will also be there to offer advice on cruise travel, and there will also be a silent auction.
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And Lloyd Figgins, a former police officer, soldier and expedition leader, will be offering advice on a range of topics related to travel safety.
The travel show, which is being held for the first time this year, is raising money for the Friends of Kelling Hospital charity.
Mr Pettitt said visitors would be able to get advice on all kinds of holidays from trips to India, Mediterranean cruises, African safaris and hikes in the Grand Canyon.
He said: 'This is a free event and the goal is really just to spread the word about the range of travel opportunities there are out there.
'It's designed to be a low-pressure, entertaining and fun day to offer attendees a wealth of information about experiences that will make you want to see more of the world.'
Mr Pettitt said they were expecting 400 to 500 people would attend.
The show runs from 11am to 4pm, for more information, visit www.nntravelshow.com.
