ABSTRACT
The influence of religious beliefs in volunteer tourism has not yet been fully recognised and researched. This is perhaps due to the perception that studies relating to religion cause controversy and debates between organised religion and secular society. This chapter presents the findings of an exploratory qualitative study that examines the motivations of volunteer tourists to participate in overseas programmes. The findings indicate that religion plays a part in influencing young Christians to volunteer as it develops their altruistic motives and desire to help others. This is particularly pertinent at a time when tourism for poverty reduction is on the international agenda. Additionally the study explored the integration of the “other” with the “self” and the movement outside the predominance of a neoliberal political ideology created by religious beliefs. This type of research has the potential to create a policy agenda by providing new ways of thinking about tourism and its outcomes.
