Routledge - Volunteer Tourism in the Global South - Book

Explore the complex realities of volunteer tourism through this academic study by Routledge. This book examines the rising popularity of volunteering in the Global South, looking closely at the socio-economic conditions and governmental rationalities that frame it as a noble practice. By combining theoretical research with primary data collected from volunteering programs in Guatemala and Ghana, the author provides a deep look into how these programs function in real-world settings. The text challenges common assumptions found in brochure discourse and existing scholarly literature regarding tourism and hospitality. It questions whether these programs truly trigger social change or provide meaningful encounters with difference and professional expertise. This work is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in the intersections of neoliberalism, global development, and modern tourism practices.