International solidarity movement : a case study in volunteer tourism for justice

Abstract

This paper examines the currently under-explored niche of volunteer tourism, 'volunteer tourism for justice' -- a form of alternative tourism that has the potential to be impervious to being co-opted by mainstream tourism. One important facet of volunteer tourism for justice is the undertaking of solidarity tours to visit communities at the front-lines of injustice and human rights abuses. A case study of an organisation that is representative of volunteer tourism for justice, the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), is presented. Through the ISM, international volunteers travel to Palestine to support the Palestinian resistance to occupation for two main purposes, providing protection and supporting the Palestinian voice on the issues confronting the Palestinian people. This case study analysis provides insights into the potentials and limitations of volunteer tourism as a tool for achieving justice and respect for human rights.