Question 1

What happened to GVI (Global Vision International)?

Accepted Answer

GVI entered liquidation in 2025, leaving stranded volunteers and exposed the middleman model behind volunteer travel. Voluntourism Watch documents what happened and where to find direct-impact alternatives.

Question 2

Is World of Difference connected to GVI?

Accepted Answer

Voluntourism Watch investigates the corporate continuity between GVI and World of Difference, comparing leadership, business models, and the intermediary structure of the new entity.

Question 3

What is the middleman problem in volunteer travel?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer travel agencies like Volunteer World, Volunteer Holidays and eco-tourism middlemen take a large cut of trip fees, leaving little for the conservation work on the ground. Voluntourism Watch explains how to spot and avoid the middleman model.

Question 4

Where can I find legitimate conservation volunteer programs?

Accepted Answer

The Voluntourism Watch directory lists direct-impact conservation organizations that operate their own programs — no booking middleman, transparent finances, and verifiable conservation outcomes.