The report highlights literature and other extant credible sources to identify and profile rural tourism products (RTPs) in South Africa in the context of sustainability to support the National Department of Tourism’s (NDT) 2012 strategy, outcome seven, on sustainable rural communities, with a strong emphasis on supporting rural tourism. Building from the assumption that sustainable RTPs lead to sustainable rural communities, an RTP sustainability framework is therefore at the core of the report. The report is not prescriptive in terms of the sustainable indicators that should be adopted, but rather, given the complexity and diversity of issues surrounding rural tourism, it provides a framework that acts as a base for RTPs to assess their sustainability. The report first provides a conceptual overview of rural tourism and its products, activities and/or services and the methodological framework used to arrive at key findings. Rural tourism may not necessarily be confined in a non-urban milieu. A ‘country experience’ which encompasses a wide range of attractions and activities that take place in a cultural, agricultural or natural resource setting, may take place in an urban area, or in its outskirts thereof. This finding demonstrates the possibility of rural tourism transcending the rural-urban divide. However, for the purposes of this study, the rural-urban locational divide is important because the NDT’s strategy specifically aims to develop rural communities – defined as non-urban, former homeland and/or sparsely populated areas – via tourism. It is not appropriate to be prescriptive regarding the specific indicators that should be adopted because RTPs are highly heterogeneous and the context they operate in differs. However, the report provides the key principles, criteria and indicators to consider if an RTP’s sustainability is to be assessed by the owners, to an extent that is institutionally feasible. In developing the framework, the indicators were aligned with policy documents of South Africa to improve the relevance and adequacy of the indicators. A few RTP cases were selected and empirically applied to test the developed sustainability framework. While the framework can typically be applied, the challenges underlying the development of a coherent, harmonised and comparable set of RTP indicators in all categorisations is acknowledged. Show less

The report highlights literature and other extant credible sources to identify and profile rural tourism products (RTPs) in South Africa in the context of sustainability to support the National Department of Tourism’s (NDT) 2012 strategy, outcome seven, on sustainable rural communities, with a strong emphasis on supporting Show more

Sustainability has become one of the key elements of development for most tourist destinations. Some cities have adopted a sustainable development strategy as a long-term solution in improving socio-economic, cultural, and environmental practices. Traditionally, destinations have used events to achieve community enrichment, protect the natural environment, and create or maintain national pride. The aim of this research was to analyse the impact of events on sustainable tourism development in Durban. The study analysed the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the contribution of events to socio-economic growth of the city of Durban. In carrying out the research, a mixed method approach was used. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered and 25 in-depth interviews were conducted. The results show that there are economic spin offs resulting from visitor spending during major events in the City. Furthermore, the study shows that although events can be used as a tool for sustainable tourism development, the challenge is the unbalanced racial structure within the industry, poor state of the economy, and limited access to business start-up capital for SMMEs. The study concludes that events play a vital role in socio-economic growth and development of the tourism sector in Durban and recommends multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships to ensure sustained tourism growth. Show less

Sustainability has become one of the key elements of development for most tourist destinations. Some cities have adopted a sustainable development strategy as a long-term solution in improving socio-economic, cultural, and environmental practices. Traditionally, destinations have used events to achieve community enrichment, Show more

The planning, development and management of tourism is a cornerstone for the socio-cultural, economic and natural growth of the tourism industry. In this regard, tourism has come to be known as a major economic force in many countries and regions throughout the world, seeking to increase jobs and thus alleviate unemployment and poverty. It is generally accepted that the growth of tourism depends largely on effective planning, developing and management of resources (facilities and activities), particularly in developing countries so as to escape poverty and inequalities (Wahab, 2000). The major research question in this study is whether there is an adequate legislative framework that effectively addresses issues of planning and development of tourism resources, facilities and activities. What makes some municipalities perform better than others in tourism resource management and development? Are there sufficient planning guidelines that facilitate integrated tourism development approaches? Lastly, what is the role and level of involvement of tourism practitioners and stakeholders in the planning, development and management of tourism resources, facilities and activities. Some other research questions that need to be attended to are as follows: What are the major relationships between national and local policies on tourism resource planning and management?. What levels of tourism planning and management capacity in municipalities need to be identified and improved? What are the existing practitioners and stakeholders‟ perceptions of tourism management and development in the provinces of South Africa? The study is limited to two provinces in South Africa, namely KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, also covering various district and local municipalities within these regions. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are used. The total sample size for municipalities in both provinces is 384 respondents. The details of the methodology are discussed later, laying emphasis on the target Show less

The planning, development and management of tourism is a cornerstone for the socio-cultural, economic and natural growth of the tourism industry. In this regard, tourism has come to be known as a major economic force in many countries and regions throughout the world, seeking to increase jobs and thus alleviate unemployment and Show more

The overall aim of the study was to develop a market analysis framework that can be used by different tourism stakeholders to inform product development, infrastructure development and investment facilitation, with particular reference to the local level. Market analysis is critical in attracting tourism investment as investors are likely to put their money where both demand and supply analysis has been conducted in order to get return on their investment. The market analysis framework consists of a sequential iterative process with seven (7) steps. Each step represents the main components and sub-components for determining the market feasibility of a tourism project. A Workbook was developed to provide guidelines for a funding applicant to effectively structure the information and data on the market analysis in a funding application as well as to provide the funding body with an effective tool for evaluation of the funding application in terms of the market analysis. Information and data was gathered using ‘diagnostic’ tools, the purpose of which is to collect as much relevant data as possible. Information relevant to the project was written up in the Workbook. The diagnostic tools were designed to ‘flag’ potential challenges which could either lead to project dismissal or adjustments/interventions to overcome challenges that have been identified. Data was gathered via secondary and primary sources. Information gathered must be interpreted and condensed into the required format for a project proposal. Show less

The overall aim of the study was to develop a market analysis framework that can be used by different tourism stakeholders to inform product development, infrastructure development and investment facilitation, with particular reference to the local level. Market analysis is critical in attracting tourism investment as investors Show more

Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT), as part of the oceans economy, offers significant development opportunities that can contribute to job creation and sustainability. However, a desktop study funded by the National Department of Tourism (NDT) revealed that there are limited national and international best practices to assess the economic impacts of CMT. It was evident from the desktop study that there were no specific accepted methodological approaches to assess the economic impacts of CMT within a country context. The extension of this component of the research entails piloting a framework (including the identification of key economic indicators, development of data collection tools and identification of appropriate economic models) to inform the development of a framework to assess CMT’s contribution to South Africa’s tourism sector. This presentation provides an overview of the piloting processes undertaken and reflects on the challenges and opportunities to assess the economic impacts of CMT. The methodological approach adopted was the implementation of stakeholder survey-based data collection tools. The key stakeholders identified were coastal and marine tourists/ users/ customers and CMT business (including the accommodation sector, CMT business owners, retail outlets and tour operators). The challenges in terms of data collection included ensuring a geographical and representative spread across all four coastal provinces, willingness to participate, quality of data collected (especially in relation to self-completion surveys) and the length of the surveys. Access to stakeholder contact details also emerged as a challenge. Finally, key recommendations in terms of developing the framework will be shared based on the piloting undertaken. For example, the piloting also revealed the need to revise some of the questions and rethink the number and types of stakeholders from whom primary data needs to be sourced. The importance of developing a standardised framework to measure, monitor and manage the economic impacts of CMT in South Africa remains. This research will inform the development of a framework for CMT. Show less

Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT), as part of the oceans economy, offers significant development opportunities that can contribute to job creation and sustainability. However, a desktop study funded by the National Department of Tourism (NDT) revealed that there are limited national and international best practices to assess the Show more

Tourist guides are at the epi-centre of the tourism industry, they are integral and indispensable, but are dependent on a multi-layered number of entities that have both direct and indirect impacts on their role and place. Given the vastness and multivariate nature of the tourist guiding sector this research needed to prioritise and thus focused on the legislative and regulatory dimension, the training and accreditation authorities as well as issues of associations and professionalisation. The South African tourist guiding sector boasts an advanced regulated tourism sub-sector which pre-dates and surpasses many in the global North and South. The government is aware of the potential of tourism and it ranks it as a priority sector within the economy. However, the current legislation, training, professionalisation and the position of Department of Tourism is hampered by other extraneous regulations, structures and processes which at some levels amount to “over” regulation and “under” performance. This research appraises these aspects making recommendations as to how the Department needs to be repositioned at the helm of the tourism industry while training and accreditation as well as the professionalisation and associations, related to the tourist guide, need to be streamlined and again centred within its jurisdiction. Show less

Tourist guides are at the epi-centre of the tourism industry, they are integral and indispensable, but are dependent on a multi-layered number of entities that have both direct and indirect impacts on their role and place. Given the vastness and multivariate nature of the tourist guiding sector this research needed to Show more

Sustainability has become one of the key elements of development for most tourist destinations. Some cities have adopted a sustainable development strategy as a long-term solution in improving socio-economic, cultural, and environmental practices. Traditionally, destinations have used events to achieve community enrichment, protect the natural environment, and create or maintain national pride. The aim of this research was to analyse the impact of events on sustainable tourism development in Durban. The study analysed the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the contribution of events to socio-economic growth of the city of Durban. In carrying out the research, a mixed method approach was used. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered and 25 in-depth interviews were conducted. The results show that there are economic spin offs resulting from visitor spending during major events in the City. Furthermore, the study shows that although events can be used as a tool for sustainable tourism development, the challenge is the unbalanced racial structure within the industry, poor state of the economy, and limited access to business start-up capital for SMMEs. The study concludes that events play a vital role in socio-economic growth and development of the tourism sector in Durban and recommends multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships to ensure sustained tourism growth. Show less

Sustainability has become one of the key elements of development for most tourist destinations. Some cities have adopted a sustainable development strategy as a long-term solution in improving socio-economic, cultural, and environmental practices. Traditionally, destinations have used events to achieve community enrichment, Show more

The main aim of the study was to identify interventions and incentives needed to improve the number of enterprises, including state-owned tourism attractions that embrace responsible tourism management practices (RTMP’s) with the view to improve adherence to the National Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162). The study was conducted in five provinces (Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga & Western Cape) targeting Product owners, Stakeholders, Tourists and Certification Bodies. A multi-method research approach was followed, in which qualitative and quantitative research methods were combined in order to provide a more completed set of findings. The quantitative data was analysed using the SAS® 9.4 whilst qualitative data was analysed through content analysis method. Two case studies involving an establishment that has implemented RTM practices without any support as well an establishment that has implemented RTM practices with support were developed from the study. The study identified some of the key barriers such as financial constraints faced by the sector when implementing RTMP’s, together with interventions and incentives necessary for the development of a sustainable tourism sector in South Africa. The study has recommended that all three spheres of government involved in tourism i.e. the National Department of Tourism (NDT), SAT, Provincial government and Municipalities should have responsibility to drive the adoption of responsible operating practices in the tourism sector. Show less

The main aim of the study was to identify interventions and incentives needed to improve the number of enterprises, including state-owned tourism attractions that embrace responsible tourism management practices (RTMP’s) with the view to improve adherence to the National Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162). The study Show more

Mapungubwe serves both as National Park and World Heritage Site (inscribed in ethnic3) due to its extraordinary contribution to the country and the world’s historical and natural heritage. Activities include bird watching, game viewing (the big five), tree top walks overlooking the Limpopo River, guided heritage walks to Mapungubwe (Jackal) Hill, rock art walks, night drives, and the Vhembe Wilderness trails. From a positive perspective, amongst others, it was observed that staff members are mostly helpful and professional with some exceptions, walkways are universally accessible, picnic areas have sufficient facilities and there is adequate signage. Show less

Mapungubwe serves both as National Park and World Heritage Site (inscribed in ethnic3) due to its extraordinary contribution to the country and the world’s historical and natural heritage. Activities include bird watching, game viewing (the big five), tree top walks overlooking the Limpopo River, guided heritage walks to Show more

The core message of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (WSNBG) is the enjoyment of nature “where luscious nature welcomes visitors and the rushing water of the Witpoortjie Waterfall, gushing from a height of 70 metres, soothes and revitalises careworn city-dwellers.” Overall the site is beautiful and had a number of positive observations such as the interesting and unique layout of different garden sections, the Garden invites visitors to explore, very friendly and helpful staff, ample space for visitor numbers and ease of movement through a pristine environment. Some of the negative observations related to limited ablution facilities, problematic access to visitors that make use of public transport (taxi and bus routes about 3km from entrance) and limited branded signage enroute to the site. Show less

The core message of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (WSNBG) is the enjoyment of nature “where luscious nature welcomes visitors and the rushing water of the Witpoortjie Waterfall, gushing from a height of 70 metres, soothes and revitalises careworn city-dwellers.” Overall the site is beautiful and had a number of Show more