TAT takes the online Voluntourism trend to the next level with “The Little Big Project” and its 5 Million worldwide viewers

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Bangkok, July 19, 2013 – Since May of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s online “Voluntourism” campaign called “The Little Big Project” has witnessed an overwhelming response of 4,695 applicants from around the world.  Ten finalists were chosen from the global searching order to compete and raise $5,000 USD for their volunteering project during the course of a 2-week stay in Thailand. The winner of “The Little Big Project” initiative is Phuket’s Team, Richard Browsdon from UK and Vimalin Chalermporn from Thailand.

Voluntourism to next level2

Throughout the fundraising competition over the past 3 months, all 5 teams (2 finalists per team) have shown their volunteering spirits with project development activities in 5 chosen areas like Phuket, Phangga, Chiang Rai, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

They have also shared their experiences via personalized blogs and online media, with the winner decided by having received the highest votes from these social media channels.

This has created global awareness and inspired huge numbers of travellers from around the world to examine the emerging volunteering-based tourism trend going on in Thailand with over 5 million viewers checking in on the project via social media.

Voluntourism to next level3Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Governor stated, “The Little Big Project is the first online campaign in Asia to promote the new trend of “volunteering while travelling,” more commonly known as Voluntourism, which is a response to the new generation of travellers whose attitude is to make a difference and make the world a better place, starting with themselves.”

He announced proudly that, “The Little Big Project’s Thailand-based Voluntourism digital campaign won the inaugural Digital Innovation Asia Awards as the most influential initiative to highlight the growing industry trend of Voluntourism.  The award was conferred by Digital Innovation Asia with the support of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and we are glad to see that our efforts have been recognized.”

Contact Information:

International Public Relations Division

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48

Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.tatnews.org