Elephants, orphans and HIV/AIDS: Examining the voluntourist experience in Botswana

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the experiences of international volunteer tourists, or voluntourists, to Botswana. Wildlife conservation, health education and orphanage voluntourists are examined specifically.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected through interviews with tourists who had completed or were in the midst of volunteer experiences.

Findings

Findings revealed that international voluntourism opportunities in Botswana are challenging to locate and leave volunteers questioning their impact. Some of the difficulties associated with voluntourism in Botswana included the need for volunteers to pay to participate, the concern regarding whether volunteers were depriving locals of employment opportunities, hesitation about the authenticity of the experience and the lack of community ownership.

Practical implications

This paper will be beneficial to industry practitioners as it details the challenges associated with international voluntourism and provides suggestions for ways to attract volunteers, engage them in the process and ensure both the organization and tourist have a positive and useful experience.

Originality/value

The increased interest in international voluntourism is a trend which is unlikely to decelerate in the coming years. This paper advances the knowledge on voluntourism operations in Botswana which may be valuable to tourists, students, academicians, government policymakers and industry practitioners alike.

Citation

Phelan, K.V. (2015), "Elephants, orphans and HIV/AIDS: Examining the voluntourist experience in Botswana", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 127-140. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-12-2014-0049