Self-transcendence: an alternative explanation for voluntourism in developing countries

Abstract

Abstract:In recent years, travel associated with volunteering activities has attracted a cross section of people with varying demographic characteristics and aspiration to both developing and developed countries and has been on increase. This paper argues for self-transcendence as an alternative altruistic motivation for some individuals who choose to travel to developing nations destinations which are considered risky as VOLUNtourists. A descriptive research design was used to guide the research process. This study was based on a sample of 501 respondents who had completed their visit to Uganda for various reasons.Results indicate that, there was no significant association between gender and purpose of the visit, while age group was significantly associated with the purpose of visiting. Most visitors were seeking that which they perceived to be beyond themselves associated with spirituality. Currently most facilities within tourist attractions in Uganda favour the adult age group and it is recommended that special consideration be given to the development of affordable facilities such 2 as accommodation to cater for all age groups in order to continue realising the positive contribution to the potential of tourism in developing countries.

Understanding people who volunteer with marine turtles: motives and values for engagement in conservation

“…Although recent research has focused on understanding aspects of volunteering among individuals who seek to combine both travel and their service under the form of what has been called 'voluntourism' (Abreu & Ferreira, 2021;Campbell & Smith, 2006;Ellis, 2003;Lyons & Wearing, 2008;Schneller & Coburn, 2018;Tukamushaba et al, 2017;Wearing, 2001), there has been comparatively little research combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to understand the underlying knowledge, motivations, and values of environmental volunteers more broadly, including those who regularly volunteer within their own communities. An improved understanding of the motivational links between the environmental program and volunteers may help to facilitate a strong sense of stewardship to successfully achieve conservation goals (Ryan et al, 2001).…”