Abstract (150 Words)
The purpose of this study in progress is to begin to investigate: (a) the differences between mass tourism, favela tours, and volunteer tourism within Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (b) to identify if members of the community perceive the differences between these types of tourists within their community; (c) to identify if community residents perceive volunteer tourism as beneficial or detrimental to their community; (d) and to identify why NGOs use volunteer tourism as a community development strategy in the community of Rocinha. The method of the future study will be constructed using a semi-structured, open-ended interview questionnaire with qualified informants, and participant observations on volunteer projects with several nongovernmental organizations. It is expected that this proposed research will have significant management implications for volunteer tourism management and community development strategies.
Perceived effects of Volunteer Tourism in Rio de Janeiro’s favela Community of Rocinha: Working towards Best Practice in Sustainable Tourism
The purpose of this study in progress is to begin to investigate: (a) the differences between mass tourism, favela tours, and volunteer tourism within Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (b) to identify if members of the community perceive the differences between these types of tourists within their community; (c) to identify if community residents perceive volunteer tourism as beneficial or detrimental to their community; (d) and to identify why NGOs use volunteer tourism as a community development strategy in the community of Rocinha. The method of the future study will be constructed using a semi-structured, open-ended interview questionnaire with qualified informants, and participant observations on volunteer projects with several nongovernmental organizations. It is expected that this proposed research will have significant management implications for volunteer tourism management and community development strategies.
