Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; v. 2, n. 13,14 (2010); 609-620
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Resumo: This paper addresses the importance of volunteer tourism as a strategy to contribute to tourism development in Serbia. The instability caused by the dissolution of Yugoslavia has prompted an economic crisis and a severe halt in tourism activities. International work camps in Serbia attract hundreds of volunteers from all over the world. This is considered to be helping to restore international tourism in the country and to subsequently building up and enhancing infrastructure. The paper presents an evolution of tourism in Serbia and briefly outlines the situation of tourism in Vojvodina, where numerous volunteer tourism activities have been carried out. Through the case study of international work camps promoted by the Volunteer Centre of Vojvodina (VCV), the paper addresses volunteers’ motivations and perceptions, and at the same time discusses how volunteering activities can contribute to tourism development. This case study reveals that most volunteer tourists see work camps also as a holiday experience, looking to visit tourist attractions in the area; simultaneously they are highly aware of their role in destination development. It also suggests that the high level of interaction between volunteers and locals raises community’s awareness to tourism potential, making the first step towards future tourism activities.
