Volunteer tourism as alternative tourism: journeys beyond otherness.

Abstract

This introductory chapter provides some foundational discussion that opens the way for detailed exploration of volunteer tourism through the following case studies. The chapter outlines some broader debates about alternative tourism and the processes of power that underpin it. In order to elaborate how volunteer tourism has the ability to move beyond the simplistic oppression/emancipation dialectic, it is argued that it is crucial for researchers examining volunteer tourism to steer away from the dichotomous view that power is exercised by dominant players (tourism operators) over oppressed actors (destination communities), and instead adopt an alternative analytical framework that suggests emancipation is immanent in daily power struggles, rather than simply standing in opposition to oppression.

The Role of the Psychological Contract in Managing Research Volunteer Tourism

“…Studies identifying the extent to which volunteer tourists are similar or different from other types of tourist are still rare, with the most cited definition of volunteer tourism coming from Wearing (2001): "tourists who volunteer in an organized way to undertake holidays that 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" (p. 1). While currently there is much debate around definitions and boundaries of volunteer tourism, Lyons and Wearing (2008) acknowledge that the earlier definition is limiting. So far, the volunteer tourism literature has concentrated on the volunteer (Brown & Lehto, 2005;Galley & Clifton, 2004;Wearing, 2002Wearing, , 2003 with a smaller number of studies on the host communities (Clifton & Benson, 2006;Gard McGehee & Andereck, 2009) and the organizations associated with volunteer tourism (Benson & Henderson, 2011;Coghlan, 2007;Wearing, McDonald, & Ponting, 2005).…”

Volunteer Tourism: As Good as It Seems?

“…This concern seems particularly germane for conservation projects, and espedally those run by non-governmental organizations (NGOs ), which is ironic because NGOVT operators are often perceived as superior to commerdal operators (e.g., Lyons and Wearing 2008). However, sometimes NGOs unwaveringly promote conservation against the wishes of local communities (e.g., Kinan and Dalzell2005;Butcher 2007: 70-71).…”

The possible negative impacts of volunteer tourism

“…Although this example is somewhat hyperbolic, there are certainly other examples of volunteer tourism projects that devote greater importance to attracting volunteers than benefi ting host communities. Lyons and Wearing (2008b) argue that NGOs are better equipped to avoid the problems associated with commercial enterprises, stating, 'In many ways NGOs demonstrate best practice in alternative tourism, and volunteer tourism specifi cally' (p. 7). However, the authors are correct to subsequently note that NGOs should not simply be viewed as 'all good' (p. 8) because one should not assume that NGOs will always consult closely with host communities.…”