This research explores transformative marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in eThekwini, with a focus on adapting to a changing travel and tourism market. The study emphasises the importance of destination image, branding, and competitiveness in attracting and retaining tourists. It assesses the rise and decline of eThekwini’s tourism development, identifying key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure; marketing and communication shortcomings; and socio-economic hurdles, including crime and safety concerns. The research further highlights the critical role of stakeholder management and governance in driving sustainable tourism growth. Drawing on international case studies and local contexts, the study proposes strategic interventions to reposition eThekwini as a competitive and appealing destination, leveraging its cultural heritage, natural attractions, event-based tourism, and modern tourism value chain. The ultimate goal is to foster a resilient tourism sector that can adapt to global trends while benefiting local communities economically and socially. Show less

This research explores transformative marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in eThekwini, with a focus on adapting to a changing travel and tourism market. The study emphasises the importance of destination image, branding, and competitiveness in attracting and retaining tourists. It assesses the rise and 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

The tourism industry makes a meaningful contribution to the South African economy, as it is regarded as an engine that creates job opportunities. In the last few decades, a variety of unfavourable events, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, pandemics and man-made hazards, like terrorism, have caused significant losses in tourism supply and demand globally. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has undergone major changes, and both the government and industry had to contribute to the economic recovery efforts. The study sought to unpack the role of government in the supply and demand of tourism in the aftermath of COVID-19 and in improving local tourism businesses in the South Beach area of Durban. The research study intended to analyse the approaches that were pursued and the relationships that exist between the provincial and local governments, as well as tourism businesses (the private sector). It further sought to assess the level of support given to local tourism businesses. A qualitative research method was employed in this study to investigate how the government works and to understand the private sector challenges with regard to supply and demand of tourism products and services. Eighteen research participants took part in the study. The results revealed that the South Beach tourism sector needs government involvement in order for it to be sustainable, and that it contributes immensely towards improving local economic development. In the final analysis, Durban’s South Beach has a long way to go, since the tourism industry in this area has been significantly affected by COVID-19. This has led to travel restrictions, reduced international visitor numbers and social disruptions in the tourism activities. Moreover, safety and security concerns, including the crime rate and perceived safety risks, can deter both domestic and international tourists from visiting South Africa. Economic challenges, such as currency fluctuations, inflation and unemployment, can impact consumer spending on travel and tourism, which affects the growth of the industry. Infrastructure deficiencies and insufficient infrastructure, which includes transportation networks, accommodation facilities and tourism attractions, can limit the capacity of industries to cater for the growing tourist demand. The study concludes that there is a growing need for the industry to address environmental sustainability and environmental concerns, such as climate change, wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices. This study has found that collaboration between the private sector and local government is essential for maintaining a balanced supply and demand in tourism and for ensuring the competitiveness of businesses in the South Beach area of Durban. Key words: tourism, supply, demand, government, businesses Show less

The tourism industry makes a meaningful contribution to the South African economy, as it is regarded as an engine that creates job opportunities. In the last few decades, a variety of unfavourable events, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, pandemics and man-made hazards, like terrorism, have caused significant losses in tourism Show more

Tourism is the South Africa's primary source of foreign exchange and the most significant contributor to its Gross Domestic Product. Over 10 000 people are employed in the tourism industry, not counting the indirect ancillary and support service occupations. This study sought to assess the potential of lake estuaries as catalysts for sustainable tourism development, with a specific focus on St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, by drawing on the Ecological Theoretical Framework and the Drivers Pressure State Impact Response Framework. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Appeal for the Sustainable Fishery-Based Tourism Framework examine the dynamics of socio-economic and environmental development and opportunities around lake estuaries. A qualitative approach was employed to unravel the organisational structures, the policy initiatives, as well as various outcomes based on the estuarine lakes being catalysts for sustainable tourism development. Data were analysed by using the NVivo and thematic analyses. The results revealed that the closure of the St Lucia estuary mouth poses a danger to the subsistence and commercial farming practices of the surrounding communities. However, the estuarine area itself offers many job opportunities, including the conservation of the flora and fauna. The study showed the challenges of sustainable tourism development and connected them with a theoretical framework, in order to support the objectives of the study. The study recommends that future research studies should focus on how to enhance the participation of local communities in the decision-making processes, conservation programme and tourism enterprises around estuarine lakes. Future studies should explore how local communities benefit from the Lake St Lucia estuary. Furthermore, the contribution of fishery co-operative companies to the sustainable development of tourism at St Lucia needs to be probed as well. Keywords: Sustainable tourism development, community participation, estuarine lakes Show less

Tourism is the South Africa's primary source of foreign exchange and the most significant contributor to its Gross Domestic Product. Over 10 000 people are employed in the tourism industry, not counting the indirect ancillary and support service occupations. This study sought to assess the potential of lake estuaries as 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

This study investigates the social impacts of tourism events on communities living in the vicinity of the event venues. It investigates perceptions of host communities on impacts of the events. The findings revealed that tourism events have both positive and negative impacts on host communities. The study uses the qualitative research approach which provides an opportunity to capture the richness and complexity of their experiences, which may not be captured by quantitative research methods. The study therefore, concluded that it is necessary to take necessary precautions when hosting events, especially in rural communities. The study concludes that the event should continue to be hosted because it helps the community to be able to generate income and creates employment for the local people as well as good business opportunities for local businesses. Show less

This study investigates the social impacts of tourism events on communities living in the vicinity of the event venues. It investigates perceptions of host communities on impacts of the events. The findings revealed that tourism events have both positive and negative impacts on host communities. The study uses the qualitative Show more

Over the past twenty years a group of women from Mogalakwena in the province of Limpopo have been crafting a living heritage by documenting their knowledge and experience of local cultural practices through the medium of embroidery. The women from Mogalakwena started documenting their knowledge of their culture as a way to sustain themselves. The embroidered panels document the traditional lifestyle and practices of the people of Mogalakwena, which range from traditional food recipes to an in-depth explanation of the way bridal processes work in this local community. This Master’s dissertation uses these embroidered panels to analyse the crafting of a living heritage, representing a gendered memorialisation of the culture and traditions of Mogalakwena. This will be achieved by arguing that these embroidered panels are indeed a way of preserving the history of the culture and practices of Mogalakwena through the use of visual and art history. The research shows how these panels contribute to post-1994 eras of South African history and collective memory. Show less

Over the past twenty years a group of women from Mogalakwena in the province of Limpopo have been crafting a living heritage by documenting their knowledge and experience of local cultural practices through the medium of embroidery. The women from Mogalakwena started documenting their knowledge of their culture as a way to 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

This study was aimed at finding solutions and getting results that gave a clear narrative about technological improvements in the tourism industry. it wanted to resolve the problem and conclude on research's main aim which was the impacts of the 4IR on the tourism industry in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study was conducted around Thulamela Local Municipality as the tourism destination with the use of the Quantitative method. The sample of the study consisted of tourism businesses in TLM that depended on technology such as accommodation facilities and restaurants where the data was collected. The data collected was analyzed using a statistical analysis approach. It depicted that TLM as a tourism destination has encountered negative and positive impacts with the newly introduced Fourth Industrial Revolution. The analysis further shows that most employees are facing difficulties in terms of machinery. The analysis of data indicated that the majority of employees were not happy with the introduction of the 4IR in the tourism industry as the machinery seemed to be substituting them in the workplace. On the other hand, new companies are facing high competition because of the 4IR whilst other companies are getting more profit and customers because of the fast service machinery introduced by the 4IR. This research has shown that the tourism industry has accepted and welcomed the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution in TLM as many tourism businesses have adopted a new way of running their businesses. This study has indicated that as much as the 4IR was beneficial to the industry, employees were, however, dissatisfied with the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution due to their losing jobs. As such, the researcher concluded that the 4IR has impacted the tourism industry positively by benefiting the tourism establishments and negatively on employees because their jobs were under threat. Show less

This study was aimed at finding solutions and getting results that gave a clear narrative about technological improvements in the tourism industry. it wanted to resolve the problem and conclude on research's main aim which was the impacts of the 4IR on the tourism industry in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study was Show more

Youth and student tourism is critical to upgrading the tourism market, as the estimate of the youth travel market has changed over the past decade. The World Tourism Association notes that youth visitors make up one-sixth of worldwide entries, with an average of sixty percent. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research that examines youth involvement and contribution to tourism growth. It is also important to define the terms “youth” and “domestic tourism” and their importance. This study will investigate the barriers to the participation of second-year tourism students at the University of Venda in domestic tourism. The study is descriptive and used a quantitative method with a random sampling technique to select respondents. The study area is at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool, and SPSS will be used for data analysis. The results of this study will help tourism students identify barriers to participating in domestic tourism and find solutions. Show less

Youth and student tourism is critical to upgrading the tourism market, as the estimate of the youth travel market has changed over the past decade. The World Tourism Association notes that youth visitors make up one-sixth of worldwide entries, with an average of sixty percent. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research that Show more