Volunteer 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

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.