Activating the diaspora: engagement and satisfaction amongst philanthropic transient volunteer tourists

This study develops understanding of diasporic volunteers who travel for the purpose of fundraising and other supporting roles (excluding service delivery), and seek to contribute positively to social welfare in their homeland. Such volunteers are defined as philanthropic transient volunteer tourists. In support of fulfilling the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNWTO 2015) the hospitality industry has a responsibility to accommodate this nuanced category of volunteer and enhance their engagement and satisfaction. Unravelling the consequences of responsible engagement and its impact for the tourism and hospitality industry, this study draws on Erikson’s psychological stage theory (Fyffe and Wister, 2016; Erikson, 1994), and questions the relevance of nonprofit brand heritage, generativity, communitas, and work engagement in relation to stimulating philanthropic transient volunteer tourists’ satisfaction with life (SWL).