Assessing the Impact and Ethical Considerations of Volunteer Tourism: A Review of Practices, Outcomes, Challenges and Future Directions
Şu kitabın bölümü:
Gökçe,
A.
&
Coşkun,
G.
&
Eker,
N.
&
Dilmaç,
E.
&
Çolak,
O.
(eds.)
2023.
Turizmde Yeni Trendler.
Özet
Volunteer tourism is a multifaceted and evolving form of travel that combines tourism with altruistic endeavors. This chapter explores the intricate dimensions of volunteer tourism: from its historical evolution to its motivations, project types, impacts, challenges, and emerging trends. The historical roots of volunteer tourism can be traced back to the emergence of organized travel and missionary work in the 19th century, evolving into a distinct travel trend that combines exploration with acts of goodwill. Over time it has expanded to encompass a diverse community of participants, motivated by personal growth, cultural exchange, and a desire to contribute to host communities and ecosystems. However, volunteer tourism is not without challenges and criticisms, including concerns about perpetuating stereotypes, commodifying poverty, and ensuring genuine sustainability and benefit to host communities. Emerging trends and innovations are reshaping the volunteer tourism landscape, with technology playing a pivotal role in recruitment, project management, and communication. Virtual volunteering and specialized projects cater to evolving traveler preferences, while a renewed focus on transparency and accountability seeks to address criticisms and promote responsible practices.