Since the 1970ies volunteer tourism has sparked academic as well as public interest and debate. This thesis consists of a concise analysis of current theories and research interests in this field. It points out challenges and opportunities of international volunteering, using a case study from South Africa, especially focusing on the area of research volunteering in a conservation context. The analysis of attitudes and perceptions of the volunteer as well as potential benefits the experience may have on their future life in general and career especially has been carried out by means of online survey. Further similarities and differences between ‘general’ volunteers and research volunteers have been established and analyzed, leading to the insight that altruism combined with the desire to travel and experience a different culture are central motivators to both groups and similar perceived benefits are attributed to volunteering. This study concludes that research volunteering can be especially beneficial to all parties involved if design and realization of the project are given great consideration and suggests further research into the complex task to develop mutually beneficial volunteering projects despite ongoing commodification of this area of sustainable tourism.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Historical Background of Volunteer Tourism
1.2. Hotspots, product range and Agencies
1.2.1. Hotspots of Volunteer Tourism
1.2.2. Product Range of Volunteer Tourism
1.2.3. Agencies as actors in Volunteer Tourism
Literature Review - Current Research Foci in Volunteer Tourism
1.2.1 Disciplines engaging in volunteer tourism research
1.2.2 Introduction to literature and scope of this paper
1.2.3 Literature Review, Motivations to volunteer
1.2.4 Literature Review, Challenges and Limitations of Volunteer Tourism
1.2.5 Literature Review, positioning agencies within the volunteer tourism framework
1.2.6 Literature Review, scientific research volunteers
1.3. Summary of Literature Review and identification of gaps in research
2. Research Questions and interests
2.1 Introduction and Reasoning
2.2. Research Questions
3 Methods
3.1 On site research at Knysna Elephant Park
3.1.1 Study site
3.1.2 KEP Data collection Methods
3.2 AERU volunteer questionnaire
3.2.1 Design of the AERU volunteer questionnaire
3.2.2 Distribution of the AERU volunteer questionnaire
3.2.3 Evaluation of the AERU volunteer questionnaire
3.3 ‘General’ volunteer questionnaire
3.3.1 Defining the Sample Group
3.3.2 Designing of the ‘general’ volunteer tourist questionnaire
3.3.3 Distribution of the ‘general’ volunteer tourist questionnaire
3.3.4 Evaluation of the ‘general’ volunteer tourist questionnaire
3.4 Traditional tourism companies survey
3.4.1 Identifying the sample group
3.4.2 Designing the survey for traditional travel agencies
3.4.3 Interpretation of the survey
4. Results
4.1. Results Introduction
4.2. Knysna Elephant Park results
4.2.1. Results of the KEP volunteer questionnaire
4.2.2 Results of the ‘general’ volunteer survey in comparison to AERU results
4.2.3. Tourism Companies Survey
5. Discussion of the research findings
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This thesis provides an analysis of volunteer tourism, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within the sector, specifically regarding research volunteering in conservation. The research aims to evaluate volunteer motivations, the influence of agencies, and the impact of the volunteer experience on participants' future careers and life perspectives.
- Analysis of motivations behind international volunteering.
- Evaluation of the role and responsibility of sending agencies.
- Case study of research volunteering at the Knysna Elephant Park.
- Comparative analysis between research-focused volunteers and 'general' volunteers.
- Assessment of the commodification of volunteer tourism and sustainable practices.
Extract from the book
Introduction
Who can be termed a volunteer tourist? According to Wearing someone who “volunteer(s) in an organized way to undertake holidays that might involve aiding or alleviating the material poverty of some groups in society, the restoration of certain environments or research into aspects of society or environment” (my emphasis, 2001, p.1). While this definition is highly accepted and much quoted within and outside the discipline of volunteer tourism research, it is not the only valid characterization of course. Taking apart the two components into tourism and volunteering the United Nations Organization suggests that while the concept of volunteering can be found “in every society” the actual form it takes on the ground can be very “different” (2011, p.xxii). This high amount of diversity has been frequently observed (Lyons & Wearing 2008; Cousins, 2009) and is intriguing and challenging to research at the same time. While Cousins argues that volunteer tourism can be defined as phenomenon “in which paying members of the general public travel for the purpose of actively participating in organized conservation work” the researcher claims that a more encompassing definition is more appropriate for the purpose of this paper (2007, p. 1021). While the organized nature is a key identifier of volunteer travels, the researcher would like to include other types of volunteer work such as teaching English or offering community services into her definition. Volunteer tourism as used in the course of this paper will include experiences where the volunteer paid a fee as well as free of charge options.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the definition of volunteer tourism and examines the historical background of both tourism and volunteering as independent and combined fields.
Literature Review - Current Research Foci in Volunteer Tourism: Provides an overview of academic research on motivations, challenges, the role of agencies, and the specific niche of scientific research volunteers.
Research Questions and interests: Defines the core research goals, focusing on the benefits of research volunteering and the influence of agencies on program outcomes.
Methods: Describes the methodology, which includes participant observation at the Knysna Elephant Park and two distinct online surveys comparing different volunteer profiles.
Results: Presents empirical data gathered from the Knysna Elephant Park volunteers, the 'general' volunteer survey, and the traditional tourism company survey.
Discussion of the research findings: Interprets the findings, noting the consistency in volunteer motivations and the potential long-term benefits of the volunteering experience on careers and personal growth.
Conclusion: Summarizes the thesis, highlighting the importance of well-managed volunteering programs and the need for further research into the balance between commodification and social impact.
Keywords
Volunteer Tourism, Research Volunteering, Conservation, Sustainable Tourism, Volunteer Motivations, Agency Role, Commodification, Knysna Elephant Park, African Elephant Research Unit, Social Impact, Career Development, International Volunteering, Tourism Studies, NGO, Altruism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
This work examines the complex nature of volunteer tourism, analyzing its motivations, challenges, and the role of intermediary agencies, with a specific case study on research-based volunteering in South Africa.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the motivations for international volunteering, the role of volunteer sending agencies, the impact of volunteering on the individual's future career, and the ongoing debate regarding the commodification of sustainable tourism.
What is the primary research goal?
The main goal is to evaluate the benefits of research volunteering for both the individual and the scientific project, and to investigate how well-managed projects can mitigate negative aspects of commodification.
Which research methods were employed?
The study uses a triangulated approach: participant observation during an internship at the Knysna Elephant Park and two web-based questionnaires directed at volunteers and traditional tourism companies.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body covers the historical context of volunteering, a comprehensive review of existing literature, the presentation of research results from surveys, and a discussion regarding the efficacy of volunteer contributions.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Volunteer Tourism, Research Volunteering, Sustainability, Conservation, Agency Roles, Motivations, and Social Impact.
What unique insights did the case study provide regarding the Knysna Elephant Park?
The case study highlighted that while volunteers are highly motivated by animal interaction, they often lack a deep understanding of the research data they collect or how it is utilized for scientific progress.
What is the author's stance on the commodification of volunteer tourism?
The author suggests a less drastic viewpoint than some critical scholars, arguing that as long as volunteering projects are carefully planned and managed, they can still provide significant benefits to all parties despite the trend toward commercialization.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Tabea Herbutt (Autor:in), 2012, Volunteer Tourism, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/206370
