Saving the environment while developing yourself? : motivations and challenges of environmental volunteering tourists in Malta

Abstract

This study investigates the motivations of environmental volunteering tourists in the Maltese Islands as well as the challenges these tourists face during their experience. Additionally, it analyses the impact these experiences and challenges have on the volunteers’ lives especially in terms of their self-development. The literature shows different motivational factors of different types of volunteering activities that have already been identified along with varying self-development depending on the individual and their individual experiences, the place, and the type of volunteer work. This study chose a qualitative approach in the form of semi-structured interviews that a total of 9 volunteers and one site manager at the organisation Nature Trust Malta participated in. Interviews included a basis of a total of 36 open and closed questions in the case of volunteers and 23 open and closed questions in the interview with the site manager. This methodology allowed the participants to share their own personal experiences, stories, viewpoints and journeys as well as their honest motivations behind it all. The data is analysed using a content analysis to be able to find similarities in the findings such as common themes, repeated words and behavioural data. The research finds that motivational factors are usually more than just one and can generally be summed up as educational/professional motivations and improving language skills. Identified challenges are related to self-perceived insufficient language skills, being given responsibilities and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Furthermore, this study found that self-development occurred in almost all participants mainly in the aspects of confidence, knowing oneself better, finding inspiration, and feelings of happiness. To conclude, this study suggests how the information obtained from this research can be implemented into the volunteering tourism sector in Malta in pursuance of helping the environment, the volunteering tourism organisations, and the volunteers.