EXPLORING VOLUNTOURISM AS A NEW COMMUNITY EXTENSION SERVICES MODEL FOR THE COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Voluntourism is a new way of traveling that is becoming popular around the world. Voluntourism is when people volunteer while they travel. It is similar to "eco-tourism" in a way because the objective of improving lives is still present. But unlike eco-tourism, voluntourism is aimed at helping both people and the environment. Voluntourism involves tourists going on vacation or rather, missions to help out on a particular project. This study focused on identifying the level of awareness and willingness of the CIHTM students about Voluntourism to make this program as the new CES model for the CIHTM. The research utilized an Exploratory type of research. Survey questionnaires were used to gather the data. Results show that the students of the department of the College of International Hospitality Management and Tourism are moderately aware of the voluntourism program and agreed on its benefits. It is concluded that the students are still willing to be part of the said program despite the challenges that have been discussed. The researchers recommended that the organizers and the department must give instructions and adequate time for the students to avoid the challenges that might affect the decisions of the respondents in joining the voluntourism program for more successful service and operations. This research promotes the voluntourism program as the new CES model for the CIHTM, or even make this as part of the activities in tour programs.