The Ethics of Volunteering in Tourism by Tomazos, Konstantinos;

Short description:

This timely and topical book offers a concise and targeted exploration of the ethical dimensions inherent to volunteering in tourism. Interdisciplinary in scope, this volume delves into the nuanced interplay of factors such as the climate emergency, the phenomenon of flight shaming and the pervasive influence of social media.

Long description:

This timely and topical book offers a concise and targeted exploration of the ethical dimensions inherent to volunteering in tourism. Interdisciplinary in scope, this volume delves into the nuanced interplay of factors such as the climate emergency, the phenomenon of flight shaming, and the pervasive influence of social media.

The book aims to explore the complex relationship between volunteer tourism ethics, relevant social movement frames, and their integration into a new narrative for the volunteer tourist industry. This is especially relevant given the current challenges posed by the climate emergency, flight shaming, and the influence of travel influencers. By addressing these dynamics, the book provides insights into how the climate emergency narrative can shape future tourism practices.

Written in an authoritative but accessible and readable way, this volume offers an incisive and compelling exploration of volunteer tourism. International in both scope and appeal, it is an essential resource for students, scholars, and academics across tourism and mobility studies, international studies, development economics, politics, sociology, and niche tourism fields. It also provides valuable perspectives for volunteer tourism practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of ethics, globalisation, and transformative travel. 

"Volunteering in or through tourism is a field which excites interest in the popular media, from NGOs and international agencies as well as in the work of academic researchers. It is a highly complex topic from multiple angles – social, cultural, economic and, above all, ethical. This book confronts these complexities head on and does so in an authoritative but accessible and readable way. It is a ‘must read’ for intending volunteers, their families, scholars of tourism and the international travel industry."

Tom Baum PhD DLitt, Professor of Tourism Employment, Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, University of Strathclyde Business School, UK

"This book is a must-read for tourism entrepreneurs, researchers and changemakers grappling with the complex ethics of doing good in a globalised world. With sharp wit and deep insight, it unpacks the moral contradictions of volunteer tourism, commodified altruism and the business of virtue. Read it not only to find answers, but also for the uncomfortable questions it asks. If we want to reinvent how we help others, we must first rethink why we do it."

Dr Vlatka Skokic Ph.D FHEA, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Programme Director (UG & PG Hospitality and Gastronomy), University of Split, Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism, HR

Table of Contents:

1.Setting the Scene

2.Altruism, Service, Spirituality, and Volunteering in a Neoliberal Motif

3.Volunteering in Tourism: Service, Spectacle, and Making a Difference

4.Winning Hearts and Minds

Epilogue and the Ten Principles of Volunteering in Tourism