Antecedents and outcomes of memorable volunteer tourism experiences

Sthapit, Erose ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1650-3900, Bjork, Peter, Coudounaris, Dafnis N, Jiménez-Barreto, Jano and Vo-Thanh, Tan (2024) Antecedents and outcomes of memorable volunteer tourism experiences. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 7 (1). pp. 56-75. ISSN 2514-9792

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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.