Tourism is widely recognised as a key driver of economic growth, employment, and social development in South Africa. However, the sector’s full potential remains underutilised due to persistent challenges such as fragmentation, weak coordination, infrastructure deficiencies, and limited evidence-based understanding of how the tourism supply value chain functions. This study, led by the CSIR, represents the first comprehensive mapping and systems analysis of South Africa’s tourism supply value chain. It reconceptualises tourism not as a collection of isolated sectors, but as a dynamic, interconnected system of sub-sectors, stakeholders, and contextual factors that collectively generate value. The research addresses a major knowledge gap by identifying the structures, interdependencies, and behavioural dynamics that underpin value creation within the tourism system. Specifically, it identifies the key sub-sectors that comprise the value chain, the products and services within each, the stakeholders involved, and the relationships that link them. In doing so, the study provides a holistic picture of how tourism functions as a complex adaptive system that underpins South Africa’s competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable development. Show less

Tourism is widely recognised as a key driver of economic growth, employment, and social development in South Africa. However, the sector’s full potential remains underutilised due to persistent challenges such as fragmentation, weak coordination, infrastructure deficiencies, and limited evidence-based understanding of how Show more

This research study set out to consider the state of community-based tourism (CBT) and to propose solutions to optimize it in a sustainable manner within the South African tourism context. Since its inception in the 1970s, CBT has been heralded as a “panacea” for the economic upliftment of marginalised and disadvantaged communities the world over. In most cases it has been heralded as having numerous benefits and opportunities for communities that are open to participating in this form of tourism by empowering and uplifting them as active participants within the tourism domain. Essentially the objective of CBT was to ensure that the benefits of tourism remain within the said communities as participatory role players, but at the same time has the effect of preserving and sustaining their cultural heritages and environs for the next generation. As such, CBT has the potential to comply with two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1, “No poverty” and SDG 8 “Decent work and economic growth”. In the context of CBT, both at a global and local level, there is a recognition of the limitations of what has often been regarded as a “cure-all” for poverty within underprivileged communities. Its success has been questioned, as has its changing nature in different contexts. This notion of CBT as a “fix-all” has been revisited, not only within the context of CBT, but more broadly in the tourism domain. The twenty-first century has witnessed an increase in critical academic scrutiny of what tourism entails and what its impacts are (or rather should be). While the positives regarding the impact of tourism are acknowledged, the negatives have been increasingly highlighted. This tendency has spilled over into the public domain where resistance against tourists and tourism is on the rise which has led to a cautionary, if not ambivalent, approach to the touristic space. It is in this current context and within the context of the reevaluation of CBT that this study positions itself. Within the South African context, it also took cognisance of the realization that CBT has not always been practiced or engaged with in an optimal manner – hence the rationale to suggest solutions to “optimize” the CBT domain. Show less

This research study set out to consider the state of community-based tourism (CBT) and to propose solutions to optimize it in a sustainable manner within the South African tourism context. Since its inception in the 1970s, CBT has been heralded as a “panacea” for the economic upliftment of marginalised and disadvantaged Show more

The tourism sector is a vital contributor to South Africa’s economy, driving job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and local development. Niche tourism, encompassing specialised segments such as adventure, cultural, rural, and eco-tourism, is an essential component of this sector, offering unique opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are central to this niche, delivering distinctive products and services that enhance the diversity and competitiveness of the tourism landscape. However, as digitalisation reshapes the global tourism industry, the adoption of digital technologies by niche tourism SMMEs in South Africa remains uneven, with significant barriers hindering their ability to fully leverage its benefits. This research focused on exploring the digital technology adoption landscape of niche tourism SMMEs in South Africa. It aimed to identify the key enablers and barriers influencing digital transformation within this sector. The study also examined the role of digitalisation in fostering innovation, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing market access, ultimately contributing to the growth, resilience, and sustainability of tourism SMMEs. Show less

The tourism sector is a vital contributor to South Africa’s economy, driving job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and local development. Niche tourism, encompassing specialised segments such as adventure, cultural, rural, and eco-tourism, is an essential component of this sector, offering unique opportunities for Show more

As visa regimes evolve worldwide, South Africa must proactively assess and benchmark its own visa policies to understand their impact on overall tourism demand. This is particularly important considering that visa applications and processing can create an administrative burden and financial costs for potential tourists. To enhance the competitiveness of South Africa as a tourism destination, it is crucial to align with global best practices. This includes being responsive to changes in global immigration policies and leveraging technological advancements to streamline visa processes. Additionally, there is a clear need for tailored visa regimes for individual countries, influenced by public diplomacy and other aspects of international relations. Therefore, data-driven policy decisions are essential. It is essential to further assess the potential impact of South Africa's visa policy on tourism demand, particularly when considering the expansion of tourism source markets through enhanced accessibility to key markets. Show less

As visa regimes evolve worldwide, South Africa must proactively assess and benchmark its own visa policies to understand their impact on overall tourism demand. This is particularly important considering that visa applications and processing can create an administrative burden and financial costs for potential tourists. To Show more

South Africa has the third highest number of recorded serial killers globally, with the United States of America and the United Kingdom having the highest and second highest per capita, respectively. However, while both countries have established a “serial killer tourism niche”, noted in the cases of Jeffrey Dahmer and “Jack-the-Ripper” attractions, South Africa has failed to do so as of yet. This dissertation sets forth to examine the latter industry lacuna, academically, from a uniquely South African context, and theorises a way to establish a globally competitive serial killer tourism attraction that will benefit the country on a local, provincial and national level, both economically and socially. This investigation used a case study-based research methodology within a qualitative research design to conceptualise and contextualise “serial killer tourism” as a sub-segment of the dark tourism phenomena at a hyperlocal level. Furthermore, this dissertation also provides an in-depth historical overview of dark tourism and explores this travel market segment in South Africa. Using this as a point of departure, this inquiry likewise provides detailed appraisals into ten dark tourism attractions globally, followed by discussing ten dark tourism attractions in South Africa. Subsequently, the detailed examination of these twenty dark tourism attractions is used to form the foundation of a unique ethical framework that can be applied to the establishment and operation of a serial killer tourism attraction in South Africa. Moreover, the social and economic feasibility and viability of the envisaged serial killer tourism attraction in question will be expounded upon. This study further provides readers with a glimpse into the largely specialised, yet underexplored, academic world of forensic psychology and the broader field of investigative sciences, including “tourism criminology”. The novel concept of safe fear – a space where tourists can safely interact with their fear of murder and their curiosity around the social phenomenon of serial killers – is also formulated and deployed. In this desktop study paired with critical thematic analysis of archival materials, along with secondary sources, it has been determined that the ethical establishment and operation of a serial killer attraction in South Africa will provide a unique context in which visitors/tourists are provided with an educational opportunity to satisfy their curiosity regarding the social phenomenon of serial killer. It was found that in the long- © University of Pretoria ii term such a touristic sphere would provide a unique environment (“safe space”) of victim commemoration to shift public focus from the serial killer to the victim. The latter which serves as the vocal point to the aforementioned hypothetical tourist attraction that will be unpacked in this dissertation. Show less

South Africa has the third highest number of recorded serial killers globally, with the United States of America and the United Kingdom having the highest and second highest per capita, respectively. However, while both countries have established a “serial killer tourism niche”, noted in the cases of Jeffrey Dahmer and Show more

This study explores the impact of electricity cuts on tourism, focusing on micro and small accommodation establishments in South Africa. Engaging with 331 entities—comprising 76% micro and 24% small accommodation enterprises—reveals that an overwhelming 97% encounter significant to moderate operational impacts due to electricity cuts. These impacts are primarily increased operational costs, reduced revenue, compromised safety and security of the establishments, with 27% reporting job cuts—not a desired consequence for a nation grappling with high unemployment rates. Despite adopting various alternative energy sources, including gas appliances, generators, and batteries and inverters (powered by either Eskom or solar energy), only 21% manage to sustain all in-room amenities during power outages. The findings suggest that generators, despite their drawbacks such as noise and pollution, in conjunction with other alternative energy sources, offer a reliable and higher intensity power source sufficient to maintain full operational capabilities during electricity cuts. The survey also discloses a notable turn towards renewable energy, mainly solar systems and inverters, within the last year among 33% of accommodation establishments, motivated by the intensifying frequency and severity of electricity cuts. While the growing inclination towards solar power installations is favorable for long-term energy solutions, the financial requirements to support full-scale operations pose a significant hurdle towards complete independence from the grid or alternate sources such as generators. Interestingly, domestic guests are the ones that demand uninterrupted services from accommodation establishments, no matter the size, with connectivity being their primary concern. The results highlight that over half of the micro and small businesses have self-financed their alternative energy infrastructures, suggesting challenges in accessing loans due to high interest rates and the diminutive scale of their operations. Over 60% of the survey population expressed unawareness of the Green Tourism Incentive Program (GTIP), with a mere 3% benefiting from its grants, indicating an awareness gap among micro establishments compared to their small counterparts. The results also suggest that there are more graded tourism establishments unaware of the GTIP than are aware, even though being graded is a key requirement for the GTIP grant. Another key element from the results is that electricity cuts significantly contribute towards food waste. Accommodation establishments are, however, adjusting reduce this waste by adapting cooking methods and changing menus. The study underscores the critical challenges and opportunities faced by South Africa's tourism small, medium, micro enterprises (SMMEs) amidst the electricity crisis. It advocates for strategic support mechanisms, improved awareness, and access to financial assistance to foster a sustainable and resilient tourism industry capable of navigating the complexities of energy shortages and contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and environmental conservation. Show less

This study explores the impact of electricity cuts on tourism, focusing on micro and small accommodation establishments in South Africa. Engaging with 331 entities—comprising 76% micro and 24% small accommodation enterprises—reveals that an overwhelming 97% encounter significant to moderate operational impacts due to Show more

The primary focus of this chapter-is a community-engaged research project that included 16 students enrolled for the BSocSci Honours Heritage and Cultural Tourism (HCT) programme in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies (DHHS) at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa, as well as four members of the Historical Society of Mamelodi (HSM). The HSM project aimed at capturing the history and heritage of Mamelodi on a platform, ArcGIS StoryMaps, and required the collaboration of community members and students. Although the focus on digital histories was not exclusively the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the accelerating demand for virtual museum exhibits and online engagement brought by the pandemic contributed to the course design and to the rationale combination within a heritage studies course. Show less

The primary focus of this chapter-is a community-engaged research project that included 16 students enrolled for the BSocSci Honours Heritage and Cultural Tourism (HCT) programme in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies (DHHS) at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa, as well as four members of the Show more

The study aimed to explore and understand the key role of community participation in the development of tourism in Phiphidi village. The specific objectives of the study included assessing the significance of community participation, identifying barriers to participation, examining mechanisms to encourage participation, and evaluating the overall impact of community involvement in sustainable tourism development. The importance of this research lay in its potential contributions to both academic scholarship and practical applications in the field of sustainable tourist development. Through a purposive sampling approach, the study engaged with a diverse group of 15 community members, representing various age groups, genders, and roles within the Phiphidi village. This deliberate selection allowed for a comprehensive exploration of different perspectives, ensuring a more nuanced understanding of the complex cultural dynamics and societal structures within the community. The research methodology involved the use of semi-structured interviews as the primary means of data collection. These interviews offered participants the freedom to elaborate on their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, providing rich insights into the role of the Phiphidi Village community in sustainable tourism development initiatives. The interview guide, with core questions focusing on community engagement, challenges, and strategies, was designed to maintain consistency while allowing flexibility for participants to share their unique perspectives. Upon completion of data collection, the study employed a thematic analysis approach to systematically categorize and analyze emerging themes from interview transcriptions and observational data. This analysis aimed to uncover patterns, similarities, and differences in participant responses, providing valuable insights into the community's experiences with sustainable tourism development. The findings of the study revealed a complex picture of drivers, obstacles, and goals within the Phiphidi community's attitudes towards sustainable tourism. Economic incentives, cultural pride, and concerns about transformative impacts all contributed to the multifaceted nature of the community's perspective. The recommendations drawn from the study emphasized the need for customized programs, open decision-making processes, measures to protect cultural heritage, educational initiatives, and comprehensive development strategies. Show less

The study aimed to explore and understand the key role of community participation in the development of tourism in Phiphidi village. The specific objectives of the study included assessing the significance of community participation, identifying barriers to participation, examining mechanisms to encourage participation, and Show more

Tourist guiding is an important subsector of the tourism sector. In South Africa, tourism forms an important contributor to the economy and accounts for a large portion of employment. Tourist guiding has been seen as a mechanism for upliftment due to the relative ease of entering the sector. Despite this, transformation within the subsector has been relatively slow, particularly for women and the youth. This is concerning as the highest rates of unemployment in South Africa are among the youth. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to examine the potential opportunities, challenges, and barriers to transformation within the tourist guiding subsector, with an emphasis on previously disadvantaged groups. The study adopted a mixed-method research design, to ensure a holistic and in-depth investigation into the research topic. Given the large population of guides in the country, registered in alignment with the Act (3 of 2014), a quantitative approach using surveys was adopted to gather information from tourist guides. A mix of purposive and snowball sampling was used in disseminating an online survey link to tourist guides. Furthermore, to increase the response rate, data was also collected directly at key tourism attractions in the various provinces. A total of 434 usable surveys were collected. In addition, a qualitative approach was used to gain a deeper understanding of challenges to transformation, as well as, importantly, opportunities for transformation from an administrative and practical perspective. This was carried out in the form of in-depth interviews conducted with the provincial registrars of tourist guiding, as well as representatives of various tourist guiding associations, resulting in a total of 12 interviews. Findings from the surveys indicated that the tourist guiding subsector in South Africa is dominated by Black men between the ages of 35 and 44, highlighting issues of participation among women and the youth as has been previously noted. Most tourist guides operate within the culture-guiding category rather than adventure and nature, while Gauteng was the most represented province in terms of area of operation. These results are supplemented by those from the qualitative aspect of the study, where key findings emphasised the key role that the national and provincial registrars play in the cohesiveness of the subsector; in the achievement of the professionalisation of tourist guiding, given their ability to advance key aspects of transformation, as well as ensure that practical measures can be realised. Furthermore, the findings also point towards significant challenges that are faced by all stakeholders within the subsector, including tourist guides, registrars and associations – all of which act as inhibitors to the achievement of transformation in the subsector. Some of these challenges relate to the qualification of tourist guides, particularly in terms of costs and upkeep, registration and professionalisation of the subsector; administrative burdens; fragmented communication between stakeholders inhibiting transformation of the subsector. Also noted were issues surrounding awareness of the sector and how to become a tourist guide, particularly among the youths. Whilst key stakeholders have faith in the ability of the sector to be transformed and become a platform for career development among previously disadvantaged groups, there are many hurdles that need to be overcome before this can be realised. Additionally, the findings indicate a passion and willingness among all stakeholders to work cohesively to both grow and transform the subsector, thus providing a positive outlook for the future of the tourist guiding. This study adopted a mixed-method research design, to ensure a holistic and in-depth investigation into the research topic. Given the large population of guides in the country, registered in alignment with the Act (3 of 2014), a quantitative approach using surveys was adopted to gather information from tourist guides. A mixture of purposive and snowball sampling was used in disseminating an online survey link to tourist guides. Furthermore, to increase the response rate, data was also collected directly at key tourism attractions in the various provinces. A total of 434 usable surveys were collected. In addition, a qualitative approach was used to gain a deeper understanding of challenges to transformation, as well as, importantly, opportunities for transformation from an administrative and practical perspective. This was carried out in the form of in-depth interviews conducted with the provincial registrars of tourist guiding, as well as representatives of various tourist guiding associations, resulting in a total of 12 interviews. Preliminary findings from the surveys indicated that the tourist guiding subsector in South Africa is dominated by Black men between the ages of 35 and 44, highlighting issues of participation among women and the youth as has been previously noted. Most tourist guides operate within the culture-guiding category rather than adventure and nature while Gauteng was the most represented province in terms of area of operation. These results are supplemented by those from the qualitative aspect of the study, where key findings emphasised the key role that the national and provincial registrars play in the cohesiveness of the subsector; in the achievement of the professionalisation of tourist guiding, , given their ability to advance key aspects of transformation, as well as ensure that practical measures can be realised. Show less

Tourist guiding is an important subsector of the tourism sector. In South Africa, tourism forms an important contributor to the economy and accounts for a large portion of employment. Tourist guiding has been seen as a mechanism for upliftment due to the relative ease of entering the sector. Despite this, transformation within Show more

In the fight against the international climate crisis, the opinions of small island nation states echo with a unique resonance. These islands, though small in size, and often marginalised in earth’s oceans, are bearing witness to the massive impacts of climate change first-hand, standing often times alone and vulnerable against the rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecological disturbances that threaten their very existence. As the world wrestles with the urgent need for sustainable solutions, it is important to listen to the insights and experiences of these small island nations and how they have gone about preparing to “accommodate” climate change and global warming into their economies and day-to-day lives. The climate crisis in recent years has become an urgent global concern, necessitating creative and sustainable solutions to mitigate its widespread and ever-evolving effects. Amidst this backdrop, the tourism industry it was found holds immense potential to drive positive change in the wake of this contemporary crisis affecting both the global North and South. This dissertation sets forth to consider tourism against this backdrop of climate change crisis, and questions if the former can be adapted or positioned to combat the latter, if at all possible. This dissertation will utilise the Seychelles as the primary case study to this investigation to test this hypothesis. In this context theoretical and practical frameworks for climate change and tourism will be devised and then applied to the indicated island nation state. This study aims to recommend various ways in which the Seychelles can off-set its designation as a “sinking nation” by situating tourism, potentially, at the helm of the island nation’s economy to combat climate change. Show less

In the fight against the international climate crisis, the opinions of small island nation states echo with a unique resonance. These islands, though small in size, and often marginalised in earth’s oceans, are bearing witness to the massive impacts of climate change first-hand, standing often times alone and vulnerable Show more