Travel with a purpose: An investigation into the benefits and motives behind Volunteer Tourism

O’Halloran, Aisling (2020) Travel with a purpose: An investigation into the benefits and motives behind Volunteer Tourism. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

In recent times volunteer tourism has developed significantly as a form of alternative tourism. As its development has come at such a rapid speed it has been subject to negative criticisms of its effects such as having a cultural, social and environmental impact. In contrast, light has also been shed on its positive aspects such as being sustainable and connecting the concept of travel with altruistic motivations.

With this niche market growing so extensively globally, research has been sanctioned with regards to understanding the motivations of the individuals who decide to participate in these endeavors. Examined in this study is different factors which have motivated individuals to spend their trip abroad participating in humanitarian or volunteer activities. With the consideration that ‘missions’ have often connotations of a religious meaning, the expression ‘travel with a purpose’ has an even greater significance as this concept is developed.

Justification for this industry’s potential misperceptions, the constraints of definitional boundaries and correlated sectors is discussed within this study. Through the analysis of the data received in the 11 semi –structured interviews this research uncovers some principle motivations and key concepts of volunteer tourism and puts a focal point on potential areas which require additional examination.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > Marketing > Consumer Behaviour H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Tourism Industry
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in International Business
Depositing User:	Dan English
Date Deposited:	11 Feb 2021 09:51
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2021 09:51
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4734

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