The Welcome to Volunteer project strengthens the capacity of associations, promotes responsible tourism and creates new forms of cooperation between the tourism sector and civil society. Although volunteer tourism is not direct commercial activity, it can generate economic benefits for tourism businesses through indirect and long-term effects.
The project operates across the Satakunta region. Its primary target groups are associations, organizations and tourism businesses. Indirect target groups include domestic and international visitors interested in volunteer tourism, as well as residents and people with a migrant background.
Contact information:
Terja Wahlberg
Project Manager
terja.wahlberg@samk.fi
Project objectives
The main objective of the project is to develop a shared, flexible and easy-to-use model for volunteer tourism in Satakunta. The model will strengthen cooperation between associations and tourism businesses and enable visitors and locals to participate in short-term volunteering as part of sustainable and regenerative tourism.
- Develop a model for implementing volunteer tourism in Satakunta.
- Strengthen the skills and capacity of associations and tourism businesses to engage with people from migrant backgrounds and visitors.
- Test the developed model through pilot projects and establish lasting cooperation between associations and tourism businesses.
- Make it easier for visitors and residents to participate in volunteering by developing clear participation pathways and practical models for associations and tourism businesses.
- Strengthening the vitality of the Satakunta region and the competitiveness of its tourism sector by making volunteer tourism a regenerative part of the region's tourism offering.
Practical Actions
- Develop a shared volunteer tourism model for Satakunta together with associations and tourism businesses.
- Organize training sessions, information events and networking opportunities, and provide practical materials and tools for participating organizations.
- Pilot the model, collect feedback and further develop it based on the experiences gained.
- Design volunteer activities as an accessible opportunity for participation and create clear participation pathways for visitors and residents.
- Improve the visibility and accessibility of volunteer opportunities and reach new participant groups, such as visitors and second-home residents.
- Share the project’s results and good practices through communications, events and cooperation networks, and make the materials openly available to all.
Partner
Satakunnan yhteisökeskus
