Expanding Volunteer Vacation Participation An Exploratory Study on the Mini-Mission Concept

Abstract

There has been a considerable growth in the volunteer vacation concept in the U.S. since around the mid—1980s. The increased demand has been attributed to an increased sense of global awareness among the Baby Boom generation, along with a growing willingness to make a contribution to other societies while on vacation. This study consisted of two parts, the first of which was an identification and description of some of the major organizations in the U.S. providing volunteer vacation opportunities. Next the concept of the mini-mission or ‘mission lite’ was described as a potential means for tour operators to build volunteering into itineraries. An exploratory study was conducted to determine the potential demand for the mission lite concept, which could be instrumental in significantly expanding participation in volunteer vacations in the future. A survey was conducted among a sample of members of the Ambassadair Travel Club, the largest organization of its type in the U.S. The study's results indicated considerable potential demand for adding a volunteer component as part of tire overall vacation experience. Tire activities in which the respondents had the greatest interest in participating on volunteer vacations were arts and crafts, chaperoning orphans, educational activities, building projects, physical fitness activities, and medical assistance. There appeared to be certain characteristics of those who are likely to be more interested in volunteer vacation participation. These included people who volunteer in their home communities, and those with higher levels of education, especially postgraduate degrees. Additionally, those who vacation more frequently and with higher household incomes may be more likely to participate.