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

Authors: Eddy K. Tukamushaba; Honggen Xiao; Adele Ladkin

Addresses: Department of International Hospitality Management, Stenden University Qatar, P.O. Box 336037, Doha, Qatar ' School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 17 Science Museum Road, TST East, Kowloon, Hong Kong ' Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Management, Bournemouth University, Dorset House D225, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK

Abstract: Travel associated with volunteering activities has been on increase and has attracted a cross section of people with varying demographic characteristics. This paper argues for self-transcendence as an alternative altruistic motivation for VOLUNtourists to travel to developing countries. A descriptive research design was used to guide the research process. A sample of 501 respondents who had completed their visit to Uganda for various reasons was used. 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 what was perceived to be at a being level. In Uganda most facilities within tourist attractions favour the adult age group and it is recommended that special consideration be put towards the development of affordable accommodation to cater for all age groups.

Keywords: VOLUNtourism; travel motivation; self-transcendence; Uganda.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2017.085723

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2017 Vol.9 No.1, pp.61 - 75

Received: 06 May 2016
Accepted: 09 Sep 2016
Published online: 10 Aug 2017 *

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