This study examines barriers to and opportunities for the growth and development of the tourist guiding subsector, specifically focusing on gendered perspectives and their role in building inclusive resilience in the tourism sector. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected from tourist guides (n=434), while descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to examine the gendered differences in tourist guiding. The study revealed gendered disparities in barriers to training and qualification accessibility, regulatory ease and enforcement, tourist-guiding qualification processing, database development, and subsector transformation efforts among tourist guides. Despite revealing obstacles, the study highlighted emerging access to resilience opportunities. Recommendations include implementing training programmes tailored to women’s needs and advocating for policy changes that enhance inclusivity, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and diverse tourism sector. The study contributes to the literature on gendered perspectives and has a societal impact on the empowerment of marginalised groups. Show less

This study examines barriers to and opportunities for the growth and development of the tourist guiding subsector, specifically focusing on gendered perspectives and their role in building inclusive resilience in the tourism sector. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected from tourist guides (n=434), while Show more

This study examined the role of Community-Based Tourism Initiatives (CBTIs) in addressing poverty and unemployment, assessing community participation, and evaluating associated benefits and challenges in Mkhuhlu, South Africa. A qualitative design was adopted, employing seven in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with residents, with data analysed through thematic content analysis (TCA). Findings reveal that CBTIs generate tangible benefits, including temporary employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, supplementary household income, and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, systemic barriers such as weak governance, lack of accountability, financial instability, exclusion from decision-making, and seasonal fluctuations significantly constrain long-term sustainability. In practice, CBTIs require a transition towards community-centred models that institutionalise transparent governance and equitable benefit-sharing. At the policy level, there is a need to strengthen institutional frameworks and foster inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships. The study contributes theoretically by applying Social Exchange Theory (SET) to a rural South African context, illustrating how trust, reciprocity, and perceptions of fairness shape community participation. Its broader value lies in underscoring governance and participation as decisive factors for transforming CBTIs into sustainable drivers of rural empowerment and resilience. Show less

This study examined the role of Community-Based Tourism Initiatives (CBTIs) in addressing poverty and unemployment, assessing community participation, and evaluating associated benefits and challenges in Mkhuhlu, South Africa. A qualitative design was adopted, employing seven in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions Show more

Digital transformation and innovation have become pivotal in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), which form the backbone of tourism destinations, particularly in South Africa, play a vital role in the sector's transformation and serve as a livelihood pillar, particularly in job creation and entrepreneurial development. Despite the increasing recognition of the need for digitalisation, many tourism SMMEs face significant barriers to effectively utilising digital technologies. As such, the study investigates the drivers for and challenges of technology adoption by SMMEs, using quantitative data gathered from tourism SMME owners through stratified, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Descriptives and multivariate tests were performed. The study highlights the prominent digital tools adopted, as well as their benefits and challenges. Findings revealed significant differences among tourism SMMEs’ perceived benefits driving technology adoption and challenges of using digital technologies by level of experience. The insights offer valuable guidance to develop targeted strategies that foster innovation, resilience and sustainable growth within the tourism industry. Show less

Digital transformation and innovation have become pivotal in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), which form the backbone of tourism destinations, particularly in South Africa, play a vital role in the sector's transformation and serve as a Show more

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of research on tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to outline future research directions for advancing the field. The study systematically reviewed 102 empirical articles, utilising a hybrid review approach that integrates the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4- SLR) guidelines with bibliometric theoretical frameworks. It also employed the Bibliometrix package in R for science mapping analysis. The findings indicate a rapid growth in research on the technology adoption of tourism SMEs over time. Thematic evolution mapping identified nine distinct themes, such as digital transformation, innovation, and marketing, thereby highlighting key trends within the research field. The study revealed theoretical, contextual, and methodological gaps in existing research and made recommendations for future research directions. By combining bibliometric methods with a longitudinal thematic evolution analysis of technology adoption among tourism SMEs, this study identifies future research avenues and practical strategies to inform stakeholders and policymakers in the tourism SME sector. Show less

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of research on tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to outline future research directions for advancing the field. The study systematically reviewed 102 empirical articles, utilising a hybrid review approach that integrates the Scientific Show more

COVID-19 brought travel as we know it to a complete standstill. At the time it was believed that the impact of the pandemic was unprecedented and that the projected recovery would need to be both different and transformative. This was particularly evident from a product (supply) point of view given the renewed attempts to increase tourists (demand) to destinations. As a result of this hiatus, the travel industry needed to reconsider the shape and form of the tourism product in order to revive and ensure its sustainability. The objective of this investigation is to demonstrate how the product (supply) could be remodelled in a destabilised environment as a contingency plan so as to maintain and sustain tourist arrivals (demand) in the wake of any internal crises and other external emergencies. As a result, this article presents research on a newly devised novel approach to remodel the actual supply-side of the domestic tourism value chain so as to become more resilient and resistant. In principle this remodelling hones in on stimulating the development of a tourism product that takes into account other dimensions that were not formerly or conventionally regarded as part of the hyper-local touristic experience. Show less

COVID-19 brought travel as we know it to a complete standstill. At the time it was believed that the impact of the pandemic was unprecedented and that the projected recovery would need to be both different and transformative. This was particularly evident from a product (supply) point of view given the renewed attempts to 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

This chapter focuses on a case study in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, home to one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world, the //Khomani San. It will explain how a strategy can be developed to engage with, while at the same time monitoring the inclusion of ISTs within the tourism domain. Besides creating a procedure to incorporate these community voices into the tourist experience, the relationship is addressed between ISTs, tourist guides and tourists. It will argue that a mutually beneficial relationship needs to be in place for the effective involvement of ISTs in the broader heritage tourism realm. This will transform the tourist experience and understanding and enhance the position and place of the indigenous community within the heritage tourism sector in a sustainable manner. Show less

This chapter focuses on a case study in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, home to one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world, the //Khomani San. It will explain how a strategy can be developed to engage with, while at the same time monitoring the inclusion of ISTs within the tourism domain. Besides creating 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