Motivation Of Volunteer Tourists And Leisure Traveling Decisions Tourism Essay

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015

Travel experience is, restrictedly, perceived as seeking relaxation including sun, beaches, shopping and freedom. However, volunteering could actually be happened during a vacation or become the main reason of the trip which highly involved in the local culture (Maureen, 2006).

According to the Tourism 2020 Vision report made by the United Nation World Tourism Organization, which normally abbreviated as UNWTO, international tourism will possibly encounter a 4.1% increment of annual growth rate on average from 1995 to 2020 meaning to around 1.56 billion visitors. However, travel promotes not only world peace and friendship, but economic inequalities, cultural and environmental deteriorations (Poelzl, 2002).

Figure 1: Conceptual map of alternative tourism (Mieczkowski, 1995, p459)

Mass tourism mainly consists of purchasing standardized products and visiting those prevailed and well-developed tourism destinations (Robinson & Novelli, 2005). Having more leisure time and higher purchasing power triggered the desire to have different experiences (Hall & Weiler, 1992). Nowadays people are looking for unique, novel and meaningful travel experience to satisfy themselves (Robinson & Novelli, 2005).

Due to globalization, nations become closer neighbours, and unveiling each other's problems. Closeness helps the less fortunate and raises the environmental awareness (Uriely, Reichel & Ron, 2003). It gives raise of alternative tourism, which including a diversity of tourism forms into niche markets such as nature and special interest tourism which is abbreviated as SIT. SIT offers customized leisure and travel experience according to increasing needs from the individuals (Derrett, 2001). For instance, several projects related to volunteer tourism and ecotourism have been actively promoted mainly in developing countries while conservation projects have been executed in developed countries (Britton, 1977; Saglio, 1979; Wearing, 2001).

SIT travellers involve in cultural and leisure activities developing their special interests, gained insights and satisfied themselves by fulfilling the higher level of needs namely self-esteem, belonging and self-actualization (Neulinger, 1982; Henderson, 1984; Hall & Weiler, 1992; Wearing, 2001, 2004). Volunteer tourism is a potential profitable market as the majority of this segment are higher educated and more sensitive to the environmental and social costs they brought (Hall & Weiler, 1992; Lynne, 1993).

Volunteer tourism and ecotourism both offer an alternative tourism experience and their underlying focus is sustainability in order to ensure the impacts on destination are minimized (Sofield, 1991, Wearing, 2001). Both forms are aiming to balance development to meet present needs without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generation (Mieczkowski, 1995; Wearing, 2001). This can be found by the fact that volunteer tourism pays special attention to the environmental and social carrying capacity, coinciding with the aims of sustainability (Colton, 1987; Wearing, 2001).

1.2 The Global Development of Volunteer Tourism

Since 1915, the phenomenon of overseas travelling of international volunteers, existed and is supported by a range of organizations and groups around the globe (Gillette, 1968; Clark, 1978; Beigbeder, 1991; Wearing, 2004). However, it was not being regarded as a tourism form.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, which is abbreviated as OECD, estimated over 33,000 overseas volunteers engaged during 1990 (Beigbeder, 1991; Wearing, 2001, 2004). Furthermore, the renowned guidebook, Mcmlillon, noted there were 75 organizations in 1987 (Campbell, 1999), with contrast to 275 in 2003. In addition, there are other sources also suggesting the significant growth in volunteer-based organizations (Holder, 2002; Brown & Morrison, 2003; Brown, 2005). Based on a survey of over 300 volunteer tourism organizations worldwide, it is estimated overall market has grown to 1.6 million volunteer tourists a year, with a total market value of between GBP 832 million and GBP 1.3 billion (Association for Tourism & Leisure Education, 2008). The most substantial growth in the sector has taken place since 1990 (Association for Tourism & Leisure Education, 2008). These figures show a rapid growth in volunteer tourism.

The popularity of alternative tourism has increased significantly such as volunteer tourism and ecotourism (Wearing, 2001, 2002; Mustonen, 2005). This is further witnessed by leisure travellers desiring to connect with locals and their culture in order to stimulate and fulfil their need of cultural immersion by combining travel, adventure and service (Brown & Morrison, 2003; Hall & Raymond, 2008). Several reports indicated 77% of organizations are non-government such as Youth Challenge International and Earth-watch, while 13% are commercial such as i-to-i, 5% are government ran such as Volunteer Service Aboard New Zealand, and 3% are operated by universities like University of California's University Research Expeditions Programme (Ellis, 2003; Board, 2003; Coghlam, 2008).

1.3 The development of SIT and volunteer tourism in Hong Kong

SIT is still developing in its infancy stage in Hong Kong. Despite the fact that little Hong Kong residents thoroughly know about SIT, a number of volunteer travel service suppliers do exist in Hong Kong. For-profit tour operators such as Hong Kong Study Tours Centre (Hong Kong Study Tours Centre, 2007) organize conservation volunteer tours to Australis and New Zealand for students. Other volunteer travel opportunities are usually provided by non-profit organizations. For instance, International Youth Culture Exchange Association (H.K.) Ltd. occasionally provides volunteer tours for secondary students and undergraduates. These volunteers will usually be involved in teaching English and simple hygiene knowledge in China (International Youth Cultural Exchange Association (H.K.) Ltd., 2007). Global Neighbor Network is dedicated to promoting volunteer tourism in Hong Kong by organizing volunteer tours regularly to different needy communities such as Sri Lanka, Kenya and Jordan (Global Neighbour Network, 2006). It has also worked with local universities such as medical students from The University of Hong Kong to provide basic medical care and treatment for patients in Indonesia. Besides, volunteers in Global Neighbour Network will partner with international volunteers in Global Hope Network to participate in different volunteer tours. Other non-profit organizations involved in volunteer tourism include Yellow House, Volunteer Space and LoveFaithHope Charitable Foundation.

Due to insufficient awareness of the general public, volunteer tourism is still not very well-known in Hong Kong and the number of participants is limited, yet it has been gaining popularity in these few years. Both secondary school and undergraduate students are given more opportunities to give back to the needy community in China, although they may only do voluntary work for one or two days of the entire tour and engage in cultural exchange activities for the rest of the tour. In addition to students, religious groups make up most of the volunteer travellers in Hong Kong. They will visit various impoverished places on mission travel, with some of the time spent on volunteering. In general, they will provide education and development aid in the needy communities.

1.4 Problem Statement

Volunteer tourism is a relatively recent phenomenon around the world. Though there has been increasing research on the motivational factors of volunteer tourists, little of such research has been done in the Asia-Pacific context, let alone within the Hong Kong context. It is of paramount importance to understand the travel motivation of volunteer tourists because it is the driving force behind their behaviors (Schiffan, Bednall, O'Cass, Paladino & Kanuk, 2005). In addition, studying their perceived value of the volunteer trips will help to determine their intentions to recommend and repurchase the volunteer travel opportunities (Petrick, 2004a; 2004b). This research is designed to explore why Hong Kong residents participate in volunteer tours, what motivates them and what their perceived values towards their volunteer trips are. With a better understanding of the aforementioned issues, tourism marketers and professionals and potential service providers such as travel agencies will be able to identify if there is any market potential to organize more volunteer tours and diversify the tourism products in Hong Kong. The results of this study will help non-profit organizations to better understand why people choose to volunteer overseas, then they will be able to segment and target the markets, create tailor-made volunteer tours to recruit more warm-hearted people to become volunteers, as well as develop appropriate marketing strategies to promote volunteer tourism in Hong Kong.

1.5 Objectives

- To examine the motivational factors behind Hong Kong residents towards volunteer travel.

- To examine the perceived constraints of repeat participation among volunteer tourism among participants.

- To examine the influence of a volunteer tourism experience on future leisure travel decisions.

Chapter 2 Literature Review

This chapter offers a review of the literature with reference to the theme and research purposes of this study. There are four sections in this chapter. The first section will define volunteering and volunteer tourism. Second, tourism motivation, development of motivational theories and volunteer motivation is reviewed, followed by a summary of previous related research on volunteer tourism. The concept of perceived value an individual holds when evaluating travel experience is then discussed. The summary section will provide a conclusion of this chapter.

2.1 Volunteering vs. Volunteer Tourism

Volunteer tourism, or also known as "Voluntourism" or volunteer vacation, actually combined two major elements which obviously are volunteering and travelling. More accurately, it contains the motivations of both volunteering and travelling sides and shows how they pertain to and interplay with each other.

2.1.1 Volunteering

Volunteering is widely perceived and defined as freely chosen and generally providing aids and services for the host community simultaneously without any incentive to gain any financial rewards from them (Beighbeder, 1991; Van Til, 1979 cited in Stebbins, 1982). Supposedly volunteering or voluntary service is both beneficial to the community and the well-being of the volunteers (Cnaan et al., 1996; Stebbins, 1982) since it could build up a social network and develop a mutual understanding, friendship and adventurousness between each other (Gillette, 1968; Wearing, 2001, 2004). Volunteering may benefit volunteers in acquiring skills such as communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills which would absolutely be useful for their career (Broad, 2003; Brown & Lehto, 2005). It provokes participants' contemplation, encourages their concerns for others, offers them with an opportunity to develop an interest and creates a sense of deep personal fulfillment (Stebbins & Graham, 2004). Stebbins (1992) also suggests that volunteering may achieve volunteers' self-actualization, recreation or renewal of self and feelings of accomplishment. The volunteer is the one who gains mutual learning, friendship and adventure (Gillette, 1968). Volunteers from all age groups will most likely feel happier and less depressed. Neulinger (1982) and Henderson (1984) both noted that volunteerism and leisure fulfil higher level needs such as self-esteem, belonging and self-actualization.

2.1.2 Volunteer Tourism

Volunteer tourism is slightly like an expansion of volunteering. Undoubtedly it includes the motivation of volunteering and, meanwhile, involves desires or incentives of travel. The term "volunteer tourism" intends to the tourists who organize to provide voluntary service during their vacations which is described by Wearing (2001):

"aiding or alleviating the material poverty of some groups in society, the restoration of certain environments, or research into aspects of society or environment"

In fact, the definition of volunteer tourism has become gradually ambiguous since a large number of individuals, who are willing to spend most of the time during vacation on volunteering, may not perceive themselves as volunteer tourists. However, there is a conceptual framework of volunteer tourism developed to classify volunteer tourists into different classes (Callanan & Thomas, 2005). The framework was drawn on another framework related to ecology (Sylvan, 1985 cited in Callanan & Thomas, 2005, pp. 196-197). It mainly divided volunteer tourists into "shallow", "intermediate" and "deep" class based on the duration of their trips, their required skills or qualifications, degree of both passive and active involvement, level of contribution to the host communities and focus of the experience.

Another way to classify the volunteer tourists basically depends on their mindsets. Volunteer tourists should be further divided into two types. Some of them may be willing to spend most of or even all of their holidays on volunteering, they, therefore, are identified as "volunteer-minded" tourists. The other type of volunteer tourists are identified as "vacation-minded" tourists who will possibly just treat volunteering as a short-term, may be only a half-day or up to three days out of a trip, activity during their vacation. (Brown & Morrison, 2003; Brown & Lehto, 2005, p. 480).

2.2 Motivation

As motivation is a very significant variable in the contribution of explaining people's travel behavior, this section aims at providing a comprehensive literature review on tourism motivation and volunteer motivation. The definitions of motivation and tourism motivation will first be given, followed by a description of the development of motivational theories.

2.2.1 Travel Motivation

To understand travel motivation, a variety of scales and theories have been proposed and empirically tested in the tourism literature. Many researchers have used motivational theory to try to interpret the motivations of tourists. Wahab (1975) argued that travel motivation is so basic, essential and fundamental while doing tourism studies or tourism development. Generally, motivation is usually defined as the driving force behind all actions (Crompton, 1979; Fodness, 1994). At the meantime, motivation would be a key factor influencing one's travel decisions and be closely related to their psychological needs to explore something they have never met in their home countries. Travel motivations will probably be affected by any changes occurred in one's life stages. However, travellers may commonly be influenced by a certain number of motivators other than just one. (Swarbrooke and Horner, 2003).

2.2.2 Tourism Motivation Theories

A few definitions have been developed for tourism motivation. Dann (1981 cited in Snepenger et al., 2006, p.140) stated that tourism motivation is:

"a meaningful state of mind which adequately disposes an actor or a group of actors to travel, and which is subsequently interpretable by others as a valid explanation for such a decision"

Crompton and McKay (1997) built their definition of tourism motivation on those suggested by Crompton (1979) and Iso-Ahola (1989 cited in Crompton & McKay, 1997). Crompton and McKay (1997, p.427) which included the concept of optimal arousal level. For example, homeostasis (Snepenger et al., 2006) helped describe tourism motivation as:

"a dynamic process of internal psychological factors that generate a state of tension or disequilibrium within individuals".

Moreover, Fodness (1994) and Crompton (1979) agreed and suggested that more knowledge of tourism motivation were necessary to assist tourism marketers in understanding individuals' travel patterns so that they could develop and promote tourism products according to customers' needs and wants.

Over the years, a myriad of tourism motivational theories have been developed. There are some prominent theories which contribute to a better understanding of why individuals choose to travel.

2.2.3 Motivation Theory - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

When discussing motivation theory, Maslow's five-stage hierarchy of needs ought to be of the utmost importance. It emphazizes human needs could be differentiated into five different levels from extrinsic to intrinsic needs. These five levels are also in hierarchical order of increasing motivational importance. From the least to the most importance, they are physiological, safety, social, self-esteem and self-actualization need (Maslow, 1970). This hierarchy could be highly related to the travel industry since it mentioned individuals will less likely be interested in high-level needs if they cannot meet their physiological and safety needs. It implies the individuals will less likely be interested in travel. Additionally, Self-actualization could be considered the end or goal of leisure (Mill & Morrison, 2002). Analyzing all five stages can derive some potential hints and clues to help understand the motivation of volunteer tourism.

2.2.4 Motivation Theory - Travel Career Ladder (TCL)

TCL is actually partly based on the Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. According to TCL, tourists who own more experience would more probably seek satisfaction of higher needs (Pearce, 1991; Ryan, 1998). It reflects travel motives are changing according to life span and accumulated travel experience (Ryan, 1998; Schewe, 1988) and describes travellers' motivation as consisting of five different levels, respectively they are relaxation, safety or security, relationship, self-esteem and development and self-actualization or fulfillment need. Normally travelers are not dominated by only a level of need but a set of needs. They will not always remain in the same stage and will probably descend as well as ascend on the ladder.

2.2.5 Push and Pull Factors

Except the two hierarchical needs of human mentioned above, there is a two-tiered scheme of motivational factors, "push" and "pull" factors. Several theories also refer to these two factors to carry out, for example, Iso-Ahola personal interpersonal motives. Push factors mean all social-psychological motives which push individuals to go travelling. They are intangible and more like intrinsic desires of individuals, for instance, relaxation and exploration. On the other hand, pull factors mean those external forces which affect or attract individuals to travel to fulfill their identified wants. Any tangible things including the architectures, historical resources and the intangible elements including local culture, the attractiveness of the destination itself can also arouse travellers' interest (Andreu, Bigne & Copper, 2000). However, a travel is normally occurred based on the reason why individuals would like to leave their home country rather than the appeal of the destination which lure the travellers to visit. Travellers' motives and behavior are markedly self-oriented (Witt & Wright, 1992). Obviously, the "push" and "pull" factors may not be perceived appropriate to understand the motivation of volunteer tourism because

2.2.6 Motivation of volunteers being engaged in voluntary services

Altruism (Bussell & Forbes, 2002; Callanan & Thomas, 2005) and doing something meaningful (Cnaan & Goldberg-Glen, 1991 cited in Ryan, Kaplan & Grese, 2001) are believed to be the central motives for individuals to participate in volunteer work. Individuals who desire to assist others are more likely to become volunteers. However, egoism may probably be included in the motivation of volunteers as well (Bussell & Forbes, 2002; Ryan, Kaplan & Grese, 2001). Participating in voluntary work can actually provide individuals with change to satisfy their social and psychological needs (Cnaan & Goldberg-Glen, 1991 cited in Bussell & Forbes, 2002). The first self-interested motivation is 'social' which involves volunteering together with one's family members and old friends to strengthen kinship and friendship (Bruyere & Rappe, 2007; Ryan, Kaplan & Grese, 2001) as well as meeting new people with similar interests.

The next motivation is 'learning and career'. Volunteers may learn deeper about the natural environment (Bruyere & Rappe, 2007); develop new skills and abilities which may be useful with one's career (Broad, 2003); obtain job-related experience and explore career opportunities which may aid future employment or career advancement (Bruyere & Rappe, 2007; Riecken, Babakus & Yavas, 1994 cited in Bussell & Forbes, 2002)

Another prominent motivation of volunteer is 'values and esteem'. Volunteers can share their core values and thoughts with other people (Bruyere & Rappe, 2007; Clary & Snyder, 1999); gain a sense of self-worth as well as boosting self-esteem (Bruyere & Rappe, 2007; Bussell & Forbes, 2002).

Some of the less obvious reasons for people to volunteer may include a desire to wear uniforms which symbolize authority, mixing with celebrities, travel opportunities (Wilson & Pimm, 1996) and religious involvement (Mattis et al., 2000).

2.3 Previous Related Research on Volunteer Tourism

Having looked at travel motivation and volunteer motivation individually, it is necessary to review the previous studies on volunteer tourism. A very similar research on the motives and benefits of volunteer vacationers in the United States was done by Brown and Lehto (2005). They employed focus group and in-depth personal interviews as their data collection methods to gain a deeper understanding of this rarely researched phenomenon. The results showed that there were four main motives of why people volunteer while taking a leisure trip. First, travellers were motivated to volunteer because they would have precious opportunities to interact with local people and immerse oneself in the local culture and community (Brown & Lehto, 2005, p.487) Second, volunteer tourism was seen as a way to give back and make a difference in others' lives, especially the less unfortunate. Third, travellers sought camaraderie on volunteer vacation trips. They were motivated by the fact that they would be able to make friends with people with common interests, values and minds. Fourth, volunteer tourism was perceived as an educational opportunity for children. It was believed that the volunteer experience would instil the value of giving to the younger generation in their lives. Another related motive was the opportunity to build a better bonding between parents and children.

The major benefits of participating in volunteer tourism found in this research were greater satisfaction with the overall travel experience, self-fulfilment, opportunities to directly interact with the local community, the meaningful experience and wonderful memories, personal growth and enhancement of family relationships, Among the aforementioned benefits, self-fulfilment and personal growth were believed to have an enduring effect on individuals after the volunteer vacation trips.

A case study conducted by Broad (2003) investigated the relationship between volunteers, their volunteering and the outcomes and impacts at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) in Phuket. Four categories of motivation were identified in this study using qualitative method. Volunteers participated in the GRP because they wanted to travel to a different country and learn something about the country. They would like to obtain experience with reference to their studies and future career plans and they support conservation based on altruism. (Broad, 2003, pp.66-67). Their self-interested motivation was related to meeting like-minded people or developing their personalities. Her findings supported Gazley's (2001, cited in Broad, 2003) claim that both volunteer motivation and tourism motivation may apply to volunteer tourism.

Similarly, it was found in Broad's (2003) study that the volunteer travel experience had inspired some changes in the participants and their life. The experience was a life turning point for some of the volunteers, for instance, finding a career direction or entering into relationships with the locals. Other volunteers indicated that they had gained more confidence, knowledge and skills, and learned more about themselves. They had also developed a different view of life and the world.

2.4 Chapter Summary

Chapter 3 Methodology

The purpose of this research is to explore the motivations, constraints and how volunteer travel experiences influence travel decision among volunteer travellers. Since little academic research had been conducted in this area, especially in the Asia-Pacific context, no confirmed theories or methods were available to be adopted for this study (Brown & Lehto, 2005). An exploratory study thereby seems appropriate to offer a better understanding of this research topic. The methodological issues were discussed in four sections: (1) research design, (2) data collection, (3) data analysis and, (4) limitations.

3.1 Research Design

This is an exploratory research which is inductive in nature. The study used a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews (Brown & Lehto, 2005). Qualitative research approach helped to gain more knowledge as to how individuals gave meaning to their volunteer vacation experiences (Halpenny & Caisse, 2003). Simultaneously in-depth interviews provoked interviewees to express their thoughts which were neglected by marketers before so they can actually cater to the potential needs. (Patton, 1990; Jenning, 2001). The data gathered were helpful to reveal the "what". "how" and, more importantly, explore the "why" for individuals to participate in volunteer travel (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2007). The value of the knowledge is largely based on the context and the use of the knowledge. (Steinar, 1996) It can, for example, be used to examine travellers' attitude towards volunteer travel, and the knowledge gained used to motivate leisure travellers to join volunteer travel.

In addition, the interviews embraced different kinds of interview questions so as to deeply examine why potential travellers in Hong Kong are motivated to join the volunteer travel. Introducing questions were used since such open-ended questions may

3.2 Data collection

Since it was improbable to identify and interview all volunteer travellers in Hong Kong, the interviewees were chosen from a population of Hong Kong residents who had participated in any volunteer travel before. Snowball sampling technique was used to collect the data until the required sample size was reached (Jenning, 2001). There were 8 desirable interviewees invited to participate in the individual interview which fitted the required sample size determined by theoretical sampling principle (Glaser, 1992). Furthermore, the interview process lasted till the theoretical saturation, where no new ideas or themes could be developed.

3.3 Data Analysis

The personal interviews were transcribed word for word immediately. Owing to the time limit, the researcher translated the Cantonese discussions directly into written English. The transcripts

3.4 Limitations

Fundamentally people, time and place would be the major limitation of the research. Finding appropriate interviewees was the first to be concerned so the researcher kept asking referrals from friends. After finding the right people, the researcher needed to make respective appointments with all interviewees in terms of

Secondary data were so limited that could not sufficiently cater to the needs of this research, detailed and in-depth data and descriptions were therefore required (Geertz, 1973; Jenning, 2001). However, secondary data sourced from newspapers, academic journals, websites and books were so useful to provide understandings of initial concepts.

Chapter 4 Research Findings

Development of volunteer tourism in Hong Kong is still in its infancy at this stage. Hence, the aims of this chapter are to look into and have a better understanding of the motivation and constraints of repeat volunteer travellers. In addition to exploring how the experience influence their leisure travel decisions. Findings of aforementioned eight in-depth interviews were concluded in terms of three research objectives. Original statements of the interviewees were used as evidence to support each concept.

4.1 Motivations of repeated participation in volunteer travel

All of the interviewees showed that they are very likely to attend volunteer travel again. There were six major motivational factors found which can be dissected by and highly related to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow, 1970). Altruism and broadening personal horizons can be defined as self-actualization, which is of the highest level of the hierarchy. Furthermore, changes of self-image can be defined as self-esteem, which is positioned in the second highest level whilst desire for escaping from daily bustling life and enhancement of social life belong to belongingness and love, which is of the middle level of the hierarchy. Apart from those could be analysed by the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, previous experience can either be one of the motives for taking volunteer travel again.

4.1.1 Altruism

Personal altruistic desire for providing others with assistance and sympathy was stated by the interviewees as an important factor motivating them to partake in volunteer travel. Five interviewees considered it their first priority whilst other three interviewees considered it the second motivation. They volunteered, for example, to teach the local students, to provide necessities, to take care of the elderly and children, to bring happiness, to show love, and to encourage people to live under a stern environment. Three interviewees shared that it helped the organization to further understand the genuine needs amongst the locals, so more effective assistance could be provided in the future.

"I can help others or bring them (the local) caring and happiness to them." (Interviewee F)

"Most of their parents left them (local children) and work in other provinces, come back only one or two a year only. They're lack of parental love." (Interviewee A)

One of the interviewee was eager to raise public awareness of the poverty gap between Mainland China communities and Hong Kong people.

"the number of participant is just 30, but if I spread the idea and my experience it would be many times than the number of participants. Perhaps, they know more after hearing from me, they are more interested in, and know the suffering of others in the world. Because I have my personal experience, it is more persuasive than the related TV episodes." (Interviewee E)

"So i think the children living in Hong Kong are having luxury lives." (Interviewee D)

Similar concepts shared by all interviewees were meaningful because they felt happy with contributing to help and thus enhanced their sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment. The word "meaningful" was mentioned at least once by each interviewee and three of them even emphasized this word for up to five times. It showed that participants looked for a meaningful experience in volunteer travel.

"I feel I gradually become kinder after volunteering every time as I am willing to help others even though I may not have contributed to the society a lot. Anyway, I learnt how to return the society rather than taking advantages from it." (Interviewee A)

"You can feel more satisfied with partaking in a volunteer trip and benefit much more from it than from ordinary travel.", "I think it is very meaningful at all. It made me feel so fulfilling and happy with having these trips." (Interviewee E)

4.1.2 Broadening horizon

All interviewees desire to broaden their horizon by joining volunteer travel. Four interviewees mentioned that it was their first motivation, while the others ranked it as their second motivation. The interviewees indicated they desired to widen their horizon because they knew too little about other parts of the world. The novelty shared by three interviewees expressed they were motivated by seeking new experiences and challenges from exploring untouched and unfamiliar places they have never been before. Especially to understand the local culture such as Tibet, Dun-Huang, India, and Cambodia by doing volunteering. While some were interested in doing volunteering in other aspects like conservation of nature and heritage.

"I would like to participate in nature conservation volunteering. Such as going to Australia to do conservation." "I didn't have that kind of volunteer travel experience before, and I want to undergo it…I favour to go to India, Cambodia those places to experience…volunteering in a home of orphans. I think it must be very joyful and meaningful." (Interviewee B)

"I want to go for new place to do new things and have new experience." (Interviewee E)

They believed it was a better experience than ordinary traveling, in term of culture, because they by knowing genuine local culture because volunteering and interaction with local for several days.

All interviewees told they desired to understand the local culture better by experiencing the local living and cultural immersion. But two of them expressed that a longer duration in serving the locals would satisfy their motivation next time. Because it allowed understand of the local culture better. They revealed it was very meaningful as they learnt many things which they did not read in books.

"maybe by this opportunity, cultural exchanging between us." (Interviewee A)

"There are many places on this planet you have never seen before. Perhaps from the trip, you can learn many things." (Interviewee E)

"There is difference between doing volunteering abroad and at home; it enabled a chance to know more about other culture" (Interviewee D)

"I feel it can broaden my horizons. Not just to know what's happening in Hong Kong", "That's beyond of your imagination, if you have not seen or felt it by yourself." (Interviewee B)

"If they have longer time, so I would love to join again." (Interviewee F)

"I felt I learnt a lot by (voluntary trip) experience. Thus I thought it is worth joining." (Interviewee A)

4.1.3 Changes of self-image

Six interviewees expressed participating in voluntary trip granted them a positive image when they shared it with others. They perceived themselves as more caring, kind, brave, and perseverant by spending money and put effort in traveling to provide voluntary assistance in unfamiliar, remote places.

One mentioned her participation was to keep her promise to the organizers; being a responsible person even when her friends suddenly all quit.

"I think they (her friends) would think I am a good girl, willing to do volunteering. Indeed, when they heard about "volunteer" this term, they would think you are good, docile, and well-behaved and kind than others." (Interviewee E)

"some asked me why I travelled to those (unfamiliar) places, seldom been travelled. While some (friends) praised me and surprised that I can make it through (in harsh conditions)." (Interviewee G)

4.1.4 Escaping from daily life

Five interviewees commented that the trip provided them the opportunity of having an unforgettable and relaxing holiday to escape from daily busy and stressful life in Hong Kong, such as remind them their happy childhood.

"Indeed 50% of my motivation is taking a break, for comfort, to relax, not 100% for helping others." (Interviewee F)

"I think it is relaxing, because the life in HK is so hustle and bustle, the pace is too fast, so it offered me to have a break, even the trip is tough. But the tough and challenging makes me happy, once it is not the stress from studying, studying and doing assignments in Hong Kong." (Interviewee E)

"It brings me back to my childhood, as I used to live in those villages when I was young." (Interviewee A)

4.1.5 Colorizing personal social life

4.1.5.1 Consolidate kinship and friendship

Three interviewees indicated they wished to enhance friendship by participating together to have an unforgettable experience. Getting to know each other better through team-work rather than hanging out having entertainment less meaningful in ordinary trips.

"Maybe owning to my group of friends who are joining, as a group to join, thus we all joined." (Interviewee A)

"It enriched out friendship, as we engaged in the same experience together at that time, to help people together rather than we go out for having fun, as there was more teamwork." (Interview C)

4.1.5.2 Meeting others

Three interviewees expressed they desired to meet people with common interest and similarly aged, this allowed for better communicating and doing voluntary work in future together.

"I think those who join this kind of activity are supposed they have the intention and interest to help people. If I know them through these kinds of activities, I can do voluntary work with them in future, as we have common interests."

4.1.6 Past experience

Two interviewees had participated in a volunteer trip before, and this gave them confidence to re-participation. While three interviewees do voluntary work regularly. Both experience of having similar trip previously and being voluntary work regularly, it revealed that past experience was one of the motivations.

4.2 Constraints to re-participate in a volunteer trip

All interviewees indicated they would participate in volunteer trip in future. However there were ten constraints that would inhibit their participation again. The constraints include time, energy, family responsibility, money, opinion of others, safety, confidence toward organization, opportunity, age, and access to needy community. These constraints will be discussed in the following section.

4.2.1 Time

Time appeared to be the prominent constraints. Six interviewees regarded time as the most important factor, while one interviewee ranked it as third in prioritization. They said that full-time studying provided them with more spare time to participate than work, because of the long holidays such as semester breaks. It had less impact on their studies, still there were alternatives inhibit participating such as going abroad exchange, having internship. They revealed that having a full-time job inhibited participation, since it provides fewer holidays and sometimes being requested to work extra during busy occasions. They indicated that the responsibility to the company and the difficulty in requesting personal leave for participation.

"It is not like having semester breaks in school-life, and having an month long holiday. Since I have been working. I just have 10 or 20 holidays a year." (Interviewee B)

"maybe when I have my job, I must be responsible and it is not easy to have free time for doing volunteering." (Interviewee D)

"If I participate in it (volunteer tourism), it indicated I have to request personal leave, but you know during Christmas, it is no way to get the leave, I should say it is impossible." (Interviewee E)

4.2.2 Energy

Interviewees told they were exhausted and would like to rest and engage in personal life such as meeting friends, playing musical instruments. Besides, voluntary trip was physical demanding to local living and serving needy.

"teaching them (local children) was really exhausting, you taught in morning, afternoon, it was whole-day long and the trip last for 3 days." (Interviewee C)

"As now just have few holidays, I would put doing personal things prior to helping needy. Probably, due to long working hours, I want to take rest in holidays.", "less time for practising piano, it takes me more time to pick up again." (Interviewee B)

"most of time (holidays) is resting among many hongkongers. They wondered why helping people in holiday" (Interviewee D)

"I don't have time to being with my boyfriend and friends gatherings." (Interviewee E)

4.2.3 Family responsibility

Four interviewees regarded it as the second constraints while one considered it as the fourth. Responsibility and concerns of their family become more after married in future, participation may depends on the opinions of family member such as spouse, kids.

"I am still young now. I don't have my own family I mean I am still single, so I have nothing to worry." (Interviewee E)

"If I am a mother, I have to take responsibility to my family, so I may not going abroad for days doing volunteering." (Interviewee D)

"maybe in future when I have my own family, probably it depends on my husband willing." (Interviewee F)

4.2.4 Money

Six interviewees conceived money as constraints, two ranked it as second constraints, while the others ranked it as the last constraint. It is understandable money was a constraint, as with any luxury goods, although small amount was subsidized, participants had to pay for their own accommodations, meals and miscellaneous. They expressed it did not cost much and it was worthy to save up for having a meaningful trip in daily-life.

"It doesn't cost you much and there is funding but it is only a small amount, but I think it is very meaningful." (Interviewee F)

"we can save money to join and it does not cost too much." (Interviewee B)

4.2.5 Opinion of others

But the values among public paying for ordinary pleasure trip is more worth to voluntary trip, which is more value for money for pleasure entertainment rather than voluntary trip. Because they conceive it is not worthy for having volunteer trip. It may discourage participants for re-participation.

"They (the public) wondered why helping people in holiday or just put efforts and hard-work on things didn't have a good return but hard-feeling instead. Because many times the environment is not good, we have to pay for the trip." (Interviewee D)

"They (friends) think it is too much and asking why you participated in those trips?" (Interviewee A)

4.2.6 Safety

4.2.6.1 External environment

Four interviewees thought safety could inhibit their participation, most of them ranked it second last and last, and while one ranked it as third. Furthermore, to ensure their safety, they are unwilling to dangerous destinations. They were concerned about their safety with destination image, such as those notorious of poor security level, high crime rate, political instability, widespread of diseases, natural disasters. Interviewees would participate if they think destination is safe.

"After the 5.12 Sichuan (Richter scale 8) earthquakes, asking volunteers to go. It made me worry about my safety." (Interviewee B)

"No, if it is dangerous, I won't join. It is a long journey in transportation, as well the roads are not well-developed, it is probably too dangerous to go." (Interviewee G)

4.2.6.2 Intrinsic physical condition and ability of adaptation

Four interviewees ranked it was the second last or last constraints. They shared that their physical condition might inhibit their participation before setting off, while they worried about their adaptation ability of living in harsh environment and get sick owing to inability to acclimatize in local environment.

"maybe the health problem, whether my physical competency allows to doing volunteering." (Interviewee C)

"I really don't know whether I can make it through in those very, very poor areas" (Interviewee F)

4.2.7 Confidence toward organizations

Two interviewees revealed their confidence towards organizations, they believed organizations were responsible and guarantee for their safety. And the reputation of organizations can enhance their confidence as well to minimize their and family worries.

"But I have the confidence and believe there are no any serious problems, since they won't risk your life and let you die by sending you to a dangerous place." (Interviewee E)

4.2.8 Opportunity

Four interviewees indicated that the opportunity of participating in volunteer trip was limited. Moreover, the frequency of organizing trips and number of participants was limited. Available seats usually were only 10-30 per trip. The regular volunteers definitely had an advantage over the public to know the latest information. Moreover the response of application was great, and some trips were even fully booked on the first day of enrolment. One interviewee shared she could not find any way to voluntary teaching in China for longer duration up to several months.

"On the first day of enrolment, the response was really good, it was full on that day." (Interviewee A)

"I think this is not easy to have a chance (to participate in a voluntary trip)." (Interviewee E)

4.2.9 Age

One interviewee said that age would inhibit participation in future. As she knew there was age-limit for participants. The organization would not accept from the applications aged 26 or above. As this organization prefers the youth to have experience in it, because they believe the trip will have more and great positives impact on their life afterwards.

"they (organization) had set an age group as one of the criteria, those 26 or above will not be accepted for application. So I may not be able to participate after few years later." (Interviewee F)

4.2.10 Access to needy community

One concerned about the limited access for foreigner aid, since the local governments not welcome any rescue crew providing assistance in disaster area.

"we can't get access to destinations because some developing countries - like Myanmar, suffered from flooding recently, do not welcome foreign aid." (Interviewee D)

4.3 Influence on participants by the experience

Seven major themes of influences on participants were recognized: enhancement of perseverance, independence, ability of tolerance and acceptability. These has strengthened their self-confidence and being more adventurous, They were also seeking novelty and changing the choices of destinations for leisure traveling in future.

4.3.1 Enhancement of perseverance

Five interviewees mentioned that their competencies of perseverance, both expanding their boundaries and determination were enhanced after the trip. Some commented they were inspirited by the happiness, perseverance among the locals living in harsh living conditions and poor schooling facilities. They realized perseverance was enriched after overcoming challenging situations, problems such as overcome psychological barriers and physical dullness during the trip.

"my competency of perseverance was enriched, as teaching them was really exhausting.", "teaching them was really exhausting, you taught in morning, afternoon, it was whole-day long and the trip last for 3 days." (Interviewee C)

"After finishing all the activities, at night, we had to attend the evaluation meeting after our bathing, and prepare of the materials for the next day. We were all exhausted, and only slept 4 hours a day." (Interviewee G)

"it helped me to overcome some fear of acrophobia.", "I have some acrophobia, I can't balance very well, in daily life when walking on relatively straight and steep slopes… this time when I know how fast the kid walking, I have no excuse to walk slowly or shaking my leg, I tried my best to walk, so I walk faster." (Interviewee F)

"they are really the morale model for us to learn from, especially their perseverance for learning for their wills. We should learn from them." (Interviewee A)

4.3.2 Strengthen independency

Six interviewees realized they could take care of themselves and enhance their organizational abilities. Because they used to be dependent on family and close friends, such as keeping personal documents, hosting games, initiative knowing others by groups dividing during the briefing activities and the trip.

"As my family is used to be very protective and take very good care of me, but you just can't grow up", "I think it (the trip) is a growth, thus I think it is good for me." (Interviewee D)

"After the trip, I think it enhanced my ability to organize and take care of myself. I think I can make it through any bad conditions." (Interviewee A)

4.3.3 Strengthen ability to tolerant and acceptance

Five interviewees commented that had experience of harsh

Chapter 5 Conclusion