Does Voluntourism Fulfill the Elements of Sustainable Tourism?
Korkeakoski, Laura (2012)
Kajaanin ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205076612
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205076612
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this thesis was to research a phenomenon called volunteer tourism (voluntourism) and compare it to sustainable tourism. The aim was to define whether voluntourism fulfills the characteristics of sustainable tourism. The purpose was to produce information that can be used by Reilun Matkailun yhdistys.
The research was based on theoretical information found in literature, articles and studies on voluntourism and sustainable tourism. The theoretical framework was founded on examining the principles of voluntourism, sustainability, development and management of voluntourism.
The research methodology of this thesis was qualitative. The study was done by conducting an online questionnaire in spring 2012. It was implemented in a form of semi-structured survey which was sent through various volunteering organizations to people with volunteering experiences. The results were analyzed on the basis of the theories on voluntourism and sustainable tourism. According to the results, voluntourism does not fulfill the criteria of sustainable tourism, though some similarities and matching themes were discovered. However, it has a potential to shape into more sustainable and responsible form of tourism in future.
According to this study, the importance of managing voluntourism in all its levels was found to be essential in creating more sustainable and responsible voluntourism experiences. This requires cooperation and involvement of voluntourism organizations, volunteers and local communities.
The research was based on theoretical information found in literature, articles and studies on voluntourism and sustainable tourism. The theoretical framework was founded on examining the principles of voluntourism, sustainability, development and management of voluntourism.
The research methodology of this thesis was qualitative. The study was done by conducting an online questionnaire in spring 2012. It was implemented in a form of semi-structured survey which was sent through various volunteering organizations to people with volunteering experiences. The results were analyzed on the basis of the theories on voluntourism and sustainable tourism. According to the results, voluntourism does not fulfill the criteria of sustainable tourism, though some similarities and matching themes were discovered. However, it has a potential to shape into more sustainable and responsible form of tourism in future.
According to this study, the importance of managing voluntourism in all its levels was found to be essential in creating more sustainable and responsible voluntourism experiences. This requires cooperation and involvement of voluntourism organizations, volunteers and local communities.