This paper provides some preliminary findings of an exploratory study for a volunteer hospitality and tourism training project in Western China. The key objective is to draw lessons to form better strategy for similar future projects.The results of this study confirm the findings of a previous study that social connection has been an effective tool for recruitment of volunteers in "volunteer tourism".However,besides the "volunteer experience" and " holiday experience",there could be a "trainer experience" to motivate volunteers to take part in the project.Throughout the project,volunteers could be generated with an awareness of poverty in developing areas.Implications for future improvement with similar projects are discussed.