Antecedents and outcomes of memorable volunteer tourism experiences

Abstract

Purpose

This study proposed and tested a new conceptual model of memorable volunteer tourism experiences (MVTEs) by examining the effects of novelty, meaningfulness, experience co-creation and experience intensification on MVTEs. It also examined the relationships among MVTEs, psychological resilience (PR) and behavioural intention (BI), including that between novelty and BI.

Design/methodology/approach

The study modelled the proposed relationships by analysing data from an online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk. In total, 241 responses were used in the data analysis.

Findings

This study extended the MVTE construct and included four key antecedents that influence tourists' MVTEs. The study also documented the predictive capability of MVTEs for PR and BI.

Practical implications

Volunteer tourism organisations should offer new and diverse activities for volunteer tourists, such as nature conservation, wildlife protection and construction.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the antecedents and outcomes of MVTEs using the stimuli–organism–response theory.

Citation

Sthapit, E., Bjork, P., Coudounaris, D.N., Jiménez-Barreto, J. and Vo-Thanh, T. (2024), "Antecedents and outcomes of memorable volunteer tourism experiences", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 56-75. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-08-2022-0386