In February, professors from Glasgow Caledonian University led a group of students to Nepal as part of the Scottish Education Exchange Programme. The visit was in collaboration with Kathmandu-based Ace International Business School under the banner of the International Collaborative Project. The aim: to promote Nepal as a destination for SAVE tourism—an emerging, purpose-driven form of travel.
As part of the initiative, twenty students were divided into four interdisciplinary groups. Each team included two students from Glasgow Caledonian University and three from Ace and was assigned to work with local organizations across four sectors: FMCG, Education, Tourism, and Sustainability. The collaborative research projects emphasized teamwork, knowledge exchange, and the development of practical, locally relevant solutions.
What is SAVE Tourism?
SAVE tourism is centered around purposeful travel—emphasizing education, service, and contribution to host communities. The acronym “SAVE” represents:
- Scientific tourism – Travel focused on research, fieldwork, or environmental study.
- Academic tourism – Involving participation in educational programs, study-abroad, or academic conferences.
- Volunteering tourism – Often called voluntourism; combines travel with community service.
- Educational tourism – Includes language immersion, cultural learning, and heritage exploration.
SAVE tourism appeals to a growing number of mission-driven travelers seeking meaningful experiences over mere sightseeing.
Evolution of SAVE Tourism
SAVE tourism has its roots in educational exchanges and volunteer-abroad initiatives spearheaded by universities, NGOs, and scientific institutions. In the early years, conservationists, anthropologists, and humanitarian workers were among its first adopters.
In 1962, Nepal welcomed its first batch of Peace Corps Volunteers—teachers and agricultural experts—following an agreement with the U.S. government. This historic step marked the beginning of structured SAVE tourism in the country.
With globalization in the 1990s and 2000s, the model expanded to include gap-year students, professionals on sabbatical, and university-led field programs. Organizations such as Peace Corps, VSO International, and Projects Abroad helped institutionalize these experiences.
While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused global travel, it also sparked a resurgence of interest in purposeful, transformative travel, breathing new life into SAVE tourism.
Market overview
Though smaller in scale than leisure tourism, SAVE tourism is characterized by high-value travelers—typically educated, socially conscious, and eager to invest in impactful experiences. Regions like Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe are hubs for such travel.
The global SAVE tourism market was valued at USD 2.82 billion in 2023, with projections estimating a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2030 (Grand View Research).
Trends include:
- University exchange programs and field expeditions
- NGO-led conservation, health, and education initiatives
- Professionals taking time off to teach, study, or volunteer abroad
1. Challenges
Despite its promise, SAVE tourism poses challenges:
- Ethical risks like orphanage voluntourism, if unregulated, can harm rather than help local communities
- Lack of standardization in safety protocols, experience quality, and curriculum design
- Over-commercialization risks diluting the educational and altruistic essence of SAVE tourism
Stakeholders must strike a careful balance between impact, authenticity, and structure.
2. Opportunities for Nepal
Nepal has a unique edge in this space, with its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and history of international cooperation. Key opportunities include:
- Public-private-academic partnerships to design joint programs
- Digital platforms to match travelers with research, teaching, and service opportunities
- Specialized operators curating customized SAVE itineraries with educational or social impact goals
As Professor Corinne Fenech of Glasgow Caledonian University shared on LinkedIn after her recent visit:
“A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to return to a country which is very dear to me—Nepal. This time with a group of students… I particularly enjoyed interacting with practitioners at HELVETAS and Nepal Mountain Academy, policymakers at Nepal Tourism Board and tourism professionals at SKAL International Nepal.”
3. Conclusion
SAVE tourism is an evolving, values-driven segment of global travel that aligns with the growing demand for sustainability, personal growth, and responsible engagement. Nepal is exceptionally positioned to lead in this field—given the right strategic framework and global partnerships.
Initiatives like the International Collaborative Project do more than promote Nepal—they build meaningful connections, foster lasting friendships, and help shape a more conscious future for global travel.
