Dark tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism industries around the world, inextricably linked to museums with dark pasts. These museums are attractions and destinations associated with death, tragedy or suffering, and highlight some of the darkest human histories. For decades, much research on dark tourism in South Africa has focused on Robben Island as a prison that is most notorious with detailed literature. However, a lesser-known unique museum serves as a dark tourist destination in South Africa’s capital city. The Kgoši Mampuru II Museum (referred to as the Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area), formerly the Pretoria Central Prison, is a museum with a dark heritage that interprets the tragedy that took place during the apartheid regime. This paper gives a brief historical background of the Kgoši Mampuru II Prison and includes the major political execution that took place from 1961 to 1989 during apartheid. The paper examines the operation of the South African Department of Correctional Services and how it managed to convert this Pretoria-based prison into a museum, on the premise that it remains a current correctional centre for prisoners. It remains unclear how the transition from prison as a site of capital punishment developed into a museum. This paper explores these challenges and discussions from a dark tourism and museum experience perspective. Conclusions suggest that this research has the potential to occupy a critical niche, since prison museums, as a form of dark tourism, are largely unknown and can fill a major gap in South African museology. Show less

Dark tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism industries around the world, inextricably linked to museums with dark pasts. These museums are attractions and destinations associated with death, tragedy or suffering, and highlight some of the darkest human histories. For decades, much research on dark tourism in South Show more

Hospitality can be described as the friendly reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers and usually includes food and accommodation. Because of the line of business, it requires employees with various levels of expertise, however, there are challenges in retaining these employees. The challenge of employee retention in the hotel subsector has been reported by multiple studies around the world, which have consistently reported high employee turnover in hotels. Most of these studies report on data obtained in Europe and North America and the literature lacks African data, with limited studies from South Africa. Much of the literature on staff turnover and retention focuses on hotels and not the high turnover observed in restaurants. This identified the need to focus on this gap as the researcher observed staff turnover within the restaurants. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate staff turnover in the restaurant sector, specifically within the kitchen department. The specific aim of the study was to assess staff turnover within these restaurant kitchens, to determine the status, causes and impact thereof. This study used a quantitative research approach with a positivist paradigm. Two questionnaires were used for data collection, one for managers and one for employees. The sample frame was developed using the TripAdvisor website, which indicated that there were 401 restaurants in the Cape Town Central Business District at the time that the study was conducted, of which 150 participated in this study. A sampling calculator was used to calculate the number of restaurants to participate in the study. Systematic sampling was used to select the restaurants from the developed sample frame and convenience sampling was used to select the respondents (Managers and Employees) who participated in the study. Fifty managers and 100 employees completed the questionnaires. Data gathered were captured and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 26. Data were presented in the form of tables and graphs with frequencies and percentages, using descriptive statistics. Apart from the three main objectives of the study, demographic information was collected from both participants to understand the differences between managers/executive chefs and employees (chefs). It was found that in both participants males dominated (60% and 54%) respectively, while there was a difference in age as for managers the age group which dominated was the 30-39 while employees were younger (20-29). The qualifications of managers differed significantly from the employees, the majority of the managers had a post-Matric qualification compared to the employees, which means the leaders are more educated than the employees in this study. Data collected from managers gathered information about the status of staff turnover and the reasons thereof. The main highlights of the findings showed that most (62%) of the respondents (Managers) experienced high staff turnover. Managers further attributed high staff turnover to staff who could not handle the pressure of the restaurant industry (24%), those who left for better opportunities (12%), and a culture of constantly changing companies among young people (4%), not necessarily due to being dissatisfied with their current one. Employee data were collected to understand the cause and impact of staff turnover. The employees highlighted factors that cause constant staff turnover as long working hours (82%), being underpaid (86%), workers’ efforts not being recognised (56%) and poor leadership roles (56%). The impact of staff turnover was reported by the employees of which the majority (86%) stated that the workload increased, 84% stated that the service was immensely impacted and the physical health (76%) of the employees was affected. Whilst some of the restaurants experienced low (38%) staff turnover, it is evident that most (62%) experience high staff turnover. The study has revealed that high staff turnover is prevalent within these restaurants. Furthermore, the causes of high staff turnover were also observed with the impact thereof. Based on these findings the researcher has suggested the following recommendations which are, complying with labour laws specifically working hours, recognition of hard-working employees and thus giving incentives to those deserving individuals. These will benefit both managers/owners and employees working within the restaurant industry and more especially the kitchen department as they assist in reducing staff turnover. Show less

Hospitality can be described as the friendly reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers and usually includes food and accommodation. Because of the line of business, it requires employees with various levels of expertise, however, there are challenges in retaining these employees. The challenge of employee Show more

This paper is a research review of crime prevention in South Africa using a qualitative research approach. Africa is a tourist destination that offers international tourists unique cultural, natural and adventure experiences. South Africa is one of Africa’s top destinations and features Big Five safari destinations, wine routes, natural experiences, cultural villages, spectacular coastlines among other must-see experiences that appeal to international tourists travelling to the continent. However, South Africa holds the reputation of one of the highest crime rates in the world and is therefore regarded as a high-risk destination. This negative reputation directly influences tourism demand and supply and indirectly impacts on both jobs and gross income in the industry. It is said that the three primary conditions for the successful development of tourism in a set location are “peace, safety and security”. Therefore, without them, tourists are likely to be victimized, negatively affecting the image of the country and income derived from tourism. It is the prime responsibility of the tourism sector to safeguard tourists and tourism development in their respective regions. The article focuses on measures to remedy crime against tourists in South Africa. It considers the country's mitigation strategies from 1997-2019 (in the public sector) to combat crime, sets out guidelines for promoting safety and security and highlights implementation challenges. Show less

This paper is a research review of crime prevention in South Africa using a qualitative research approach. Africa is a tourist destination that offers international tourists unique cultural, natural and adventure experiences. South Africa is one of Africa’s top destinations and features Big Five safari destinations, wine Show more

Tourism is an important economic sector in many countries worldwide. Many governments are placing a higher priority on tourism development because it leads to increased foreign exchange income and creates employment opportunities. However, the tourism sector is prone to both natural and human-made crises and risks, which invariably affect the functionality, sustainability, and competitiveness of a destination. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis of the tourists' perceptions of crises and risks affecting the tourism sector in Durban. The paper used a mixed-method through the use of surveys and direct interviews with a sample of local, regional, and international tourists and key informants in the tourism sector within Durban. The results show that the level of risks in the city is perceived to be high and was found to have a significant impact on destination decision- choices. First-time visitors might be discouraged by mediatised risks. However, repeat visitors were likely to visit Durban since they were more conversant with the local conditions. Domestic tourists were likely to visit the destination since they have various mechanisms at their disposal to deal with perceived risks than first-time visitors. Furthermore, the results indicated that tourists are resilient to negative media coverage of risks. The study concludes that several factors influence the image of a destination, so tourist visitation cannot be affected by crises and risks alone. The study recommends a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate the impact of crises and risks on the destinations. Show less

Tourism is an important economic sector in many countries worldwide. Many governments are placing a higher priority on tourism development because it leads to increased foreign exchange income and creates employment opportunities. However, the tourism sector is prone to both natural and human-made crises and risks, which Show more

Tourism is an important economic sector in many countries worldwide. Many governments are placing a higher priority on tourism development because it leads to increased foreign exchange income and creates employment opportunities. However, the tourism sector is prone to both natural and human-made crises and risks, which invariably affect the functionality, sustainability, and competitiveness of a destination. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis of the tourists' perceptions of crises and risks affecting the tourism sector in Durban. The paper used a mixed-method through the use of surveys and direct interviews with a sample of local, regional, and international tourists and key informants in the tourism sector within Durban. The results show that the level of risks in the city is perceived to be high and was found to have a significant impact on destination decision- choices. First-time visitors might be discouraged by mediatised risks. However, repeat visitors were likely to visit Durban since they were more conversant with the local conditions. Domestic tourists were likely to visit the destination since they have various mechanisms at their disposal to deal with perceived risks than first-time visitors. Furthermore, the results indicated that tourists are resilient to negative media coverage of risks. The study concludes that several factors influence the image of a destination, so tourist visitation cannot be affected by crises and risks alone. The study recommends a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate the impact of crises and risks on the destinations. Show less

Tourism is an important economic sector in many countries worldwide. Many governments are placing a higher priority on tourism development because it leads to increased foreign exchange income and creates employment opportunities. However, the tourism sector is prone to both natural and human-made crises and risks, which Show more

The COVID-19 pandemic is catalysing changes in consumer demands as well as necessitating a paradigm shift for research on tourist behaviour and decision making. The aim of the study is to examine how niche tourism may be leveraged as part of the tourism sector’s recovery plan to rejuvenate supply and ignite demand post COVID-19. One specific niche, namely rural tourism, is investigated in detail. The COVID-19 crisis forces a renewed attention on both the potential opportunities and challenges of different spaces for rural tourism development in South Africa and of the need for evidenced-based research to inform future policy developments. This was undertaken in three case studies of rural tourism in Limpopo Greater Giyani Local Municipality; in Mpumalanga Thaba Chweu Local Municipality and in Eastern Cape Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Four key findings are observed. First, geographical variations exist in relation to the character and challenges facing rural tourism. This underscores the need to conceptualize and plan for rural tourism spaces in terms of (at least) three categories of fringe, in-between and remote/exotic. Second, is the poor and unsupportive institutional environment for rural tourism development in all case study municipalities. The research points to an environment for rural tourism which is dominated by considerable mismanagement and local government shortcomings as underlined by the fact that all three case studies are run by local governments classified by the Department of Cooperative Governance as “distressed and dysfunctional”. Three, the devastating impacts of COVID-19 for the tourism economies of all three local municipalities are apparent with a dramatic reduction within one year in the contribution of tourism to local GDP because of COVID-19 impacts. Four, the findings underscore the imperative for stimulating a recovery in tourism into these areas for promoting local economic development. Additionally, they point to evolving a policy framework for rural tourism revival which is not a one-size-fits-all policy but anchored on the nuances and challenges of (often) markedly different rural tourism spaces. The report presents findings based on 70 interviews. Beyond COVID-19 issues the major challenges facing the growth of rural tourism surround the chronic shortcomings of local government. Tourism business activities are constrained by the infrastructural deficiencies which are experienced by these businesses. The failure of local government to address the improvement and basic maintenance of roads, local water supplies or provide street lighting and signage are fundamental issues of concern for stimulating rural tourism in these areas. Local tourism businesses highlighted a number of interventions and support needs from government, such as financial support, improved marketing and enhancing local Tourism Information Centres. Arguably, such potentially useful support measures can only be impactful if undertaken in parallel with or following addressing the infrastructural shortcomings which are as a result of the inadequate performance of local government. In final analysis the report offers several key conclusions and recommendations relating to rural tourism. Show less

The COVID-19 pandemic is catalysing changes in consumer demands as well as necessitating a paradigm shift for research on tourist behaviour and decision making. The aim of the study is to examine how niche tourism may be leveraged as part of the tourism sector’s recovery plan to rejuvenate supply and ignite demand post Show more

This study attempts to examine the relationship between archives, tourism and museums by positioning museums as a conduit between them. It takes a closer look at this triangular relationship by first considering the history and relationship between archives and museums. Secondly, it considers the relationship between museums and tourism and the recent trends that connect museums with tourism. Thirdly, it looks at how the development of archives is linked to museums and tourism to form this triangular relationship. It is argued that archives and tourism are set to become greater partners through museums. Museums and tourism are already connected through the history of their development, and therefore increased collaborative efforts between museums and archives in the fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to archives becoming more connected to the tourism sphere that museums are located in. The study uses Mapungubwe as an example of how the archive, museum and tourism sector share a triangular relationship. Show less

This study attempts to examine the relationship between archives, tourism and museums by positioning museums as a conduit between them. It takes a closer look at this triangular relationship by first considering the history and relationship between archives and museums. Secondly, it considers the relationship between museums Show more

Urban tourism has become an important sector within the global tourism industry as it is able to serve a range of tourists, satisfy their needs, and exceed their expectations. The urban environment usually is seen as “standing alone” with regards to the operational aspects of tourism, however, it has become increasingly recognised as an integral part of the tourist experience. With this in mind, the City of Cape Town has become an increasingly popular urban tourism destination on the African continent. The City of Cape Town’s unique geographical location and history has had a significant influence on its tourism industry and contributed to the development of various tourism sectors, each with their own attractions and experiences in and around the city. As a result, urban tourism in all its facets increased the City of Cape Town’s share of the global tourism industry and made it a more attractive domestic and international urban tourist destination largely in part to the public-private partnership between the City of Cape Town (municipality) and Cape Town Tourism (official marketing organisation for Cape Town). Cape Town Tourism has also been invited to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to serve on the Destination and Business Council and present this public-private tourism model at its annual general meeting. Consequently, the immense diversity of Cape Town’s tourism sectors and its tourism model has contributed to its popularity as an urban tourism destination with an exemplary urban tourism product that could be adapted and transferred to other African cities. Show less

Urban tourism has become an important sector within the global tourism industry as it is able to serve a range of tourists, satisfy their needs, and exceed their expectations. The urban environment usually is seen as “standing alone” with regards to the operational aspects of tourism, however, it has become increasingly Show more

The overall aim of the study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism-Transport Interface in South Africa with a view to proposing a scenario where this relationship might create opportunities for tourism to prosper post COVID-19. The research followed a three-step process beginning with a systematic description, based on literature and secondary data, of the overall tourism/transport interface and the modes of transport, with particular reference to air and road transport. Thereafter, interviews with senior stakeholders in the airline, bus/coach and car rental industries were conducted, with these outcomes supplemented by available statistics, providing some insight into the impact of COVID-19 on the relevant sectors. The third step in the research method was to conduct scenario planning workshops with leaders in the aviation (completed), car rental (completed) and coach/bus travel (pending) sectors. The research underscores the integral nature of transport to tourism as the enabler of accessibility to, and connectivity within, South Africa as a tourist destination. The transport/ tourism interface is shown to be a highly interdependent system influenced strongly by demand, policies, infrastructure and inter-modality. While history has had a strong influence on modal choice for tourism purposes in South Africa, current pre-COVID challenges in the transport sector such as consumer behavior, transport policies and regulations, infrastructure and resource limitations are affecting international, regional and domestic tourism. One of the biggest challenges in reporting on the impact of transport for tourism and vice versa is the lack of focused data which can reflect the true nature of the interdependence of tourism and transport. Taken from various primary and secondary sources and from an international, regional and domestic perspective, this study found that most transport modes used for tourism purposes have been under pressure with little to no growth over the past number of years (pre-COVID). Rail travel as an option for tourists has decreased substantially, both regionally and domestically, there has been no real growth in coach/bus travel and declining growth in the car rental market. Private motor vehicles remain the most used for domestic tourism, particularly for purposes of VFR but the shortcomings in focused research data remains problematic in drawing accurate conclusions on this market. Show less

The overall aim of the study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism-Transport Interface in South Africa with a view to proposing a scenario where this relationship might create opportunities for tourism to prosper post COVID-19. The research followed a three-step process beginning with a systematic description, Show more

South Africa is a tourist destination that offers international tourists unique cultural, natural and adventure experiences. The country is one of Africa’s top destinations and features Big Five safari destinations, wine routes, natural experiences, cultural villages, spectacular coastlines among other must-see experiences that appeal to international tourists travelling to the continent. However, the country holds the reputation of one of the highest crime rates in the world and is therefore regarded as a high-risk destination. This negative reputation influences tourism demand and supply directly, as well as indirectly, as it impacts on both jobs and gross income in the industry. It is said that the three primary conditions for the successful development of tourism in a set location are “peace, safety and security”.1 Therefore, without those primary conditions, tourists are likely to be victimized, negatively affecting the image of the country and income derived from tourism. It is the prime responsibility of the tourism sector to safeguard tourists and tourism development in their respective regions. The research focus of this Master’s dissertation in Heritage and Cultural Tourism is on the safety and security concerns in South Africa. In other words, it considers the interrelationship between tourism and crime in the country, by exploring the broader dimensions of tourism security and wellbeing. Show less

South Africa is a tourist destination that offers international tourists unique cultural, natural and adventure experiences. The country is one of Africa’s top destinations and features Big Five safari destinations, wine routes, natural experiences, cultural villages, spectacular coastlines among other must-see experiences Show more