Experiences and appreciation attained by volunteer tourists from community based eco-tourism conservation program in Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan, Sabah

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon and the important of appreciation in volunteer tourism experiences. Although previous research has explored volunteer tourism motives, experiences and satisfactions, this study examines those phenomenon using in-depth interviews in order to explore the value of appreciation in volunteer tourism trips. This study investigates the reasons behind participating in volunteer tourism trips, their expectation and what their gained from the volunteer tourism experiences. The results of this study illustrate different motives compared to previous research where most of participants went on their trip to have a new experience of different part of the world or to help others (altruism). Where motive of „meet and interact with local people? (curiosity) revealed in this study. The differences in these findings illustrate how volunteer tourists? motivation can be different base on the volunteer?s motives and desire. These volunteer tourists experiences revealed three main sub theme related to; interaction and relationship, contributions from involvement and experiences related to self development. Interaction and relationship identified through volunteers sincere communication with host community and fellow volunteer tourists. The sense of satisfaction attained my most of the participant where they satisfied with their contributions to conservation effort and local community well being. Lastly, the role of appreciation and recognition is important elements in showing gratitude towards volunteer tourists? contributions because it helps to increase volunteer tourist?s motivation and morale. Based on the results, this study concludes that appreciation and recognition towards volunteer effort plays an important role in volunteer tourists? experiences and it help to differentiate volunteer tourism from other volunteer tourism experiences.