Abstract
This research introduced the concept of intercultural sensitivity to investigate the relationships between the context of volunteer tourism and the change in intercultural sensitivity, empirically assessing the supposition that volunteer tourism facilitates cross-cultural understanding. As a theoretical backdrop, the study utilized Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) postulating that one’s journey towards greater intercultural sensitivity consists of six consecutive stages along the enthnocentrism–ethnorelativism continuum. Canonical correlation analysis of the survey data revealed that quality of interaction with the host community was the most significant predictor of change in intercultural sensitivity. Additionally, this study demonstrated that volunteer tourism is linked to positive and negative changes in intercultural sensitivity and therefore has the potential to simultaneously promote and inhibit cross-cultural understanding.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 382-400 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS)
- intercultural sensitivity
- quality interaction
- tourism and community
- Volunteer tourism
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management
- Marketing