Yet, the desire to travel has not diminished, but consumers are now seeking responsible forms of travel, such as voluntourism, in order to neutralise the negative implications, consequential of their travel (Yeoman, Brass, & Beattie, 2007). This ultimately has resulted in the desire for ‘real’ travel experiences, thus, people are more inclined to demand more authentic tourism, such as voluntourism. For example, Plog and Cohen discuss the idea of typologies of tourists, Plog explains the idea of the allocentric tourists, whilst Cohen states the idea of drifter tourists (Plog, 2001., & Cohen, 1972). The allocentric and the drifter tourist, describe the tourist that would be interested in responsible forms of tourism, desiring an authentic travel experience, conscientious of their carbon footprint, and immersing themselves fully into the culture of the host community (Plog, 2001., & Cohen, …show more content…
Tourism was able to contribute 48.8% of Vanuatu’s GDP, totalling to VUV$39,774.3 million in 2014 (World Travel and Tourism Council, 2015). This displays that the interest in these countries has already begun, which is likely to be caused by the increasing interest in authentic tourism. Which is due to the increased education of people, and the increasing number of millennials, becoming allocentric and drifter tourists. This ultimately means that sooner or later there will be an increase of tourist, wanting to travel to the countries VSA is present in.
Tourism does not have to result in the degradation of a country, as shown through Vanuatu, as well as New Zealand it can provide immense economic development and reduce poverty. Yet, sustainable development is also important to ensure the preservation of the environment and the host community. Thus, it is imperative for the destination to prepare for this tourism, ensuring that it is executed in a sustainable way. Therefore, it comes down to, whether or not VSA wants to help these countries prepare for this influx of tourists, and generate economic growth, in a sustainable