Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the social impact of arts festivals with reference to the ABSA KKNK. This goal was achieved by firstly analysing the social impact phenomena and the role thereof in events tourism. Secondly, a literature study was conducted in order to examine events as tourism products. Thirdly the results of the empirical research were discussed. Lastly conclusions were drawn from the research and recommendations were made with regard to the social impact of events as well as further research. From the literature, social impact was defined as the changes in the norms and values of society that are more apparent in the short-term. It was noted that when tourists vacate to a specific destination, visible impacts are noticed. Events can however provide employment opportunities, promote international peace and pride, as well as promote educational and cultural experiences but it can also lead to increased levels of irritation, crime, drug and alcohol abuse and cultural change. These positive and negative impacts were measured in the questionnaire, as adapted from Fredline and it was therefore the objective of the questionnaire to measure whether the community is positive or negative towards the festival, and whether there were any differences in the social impact when comparing the results of 2006 and 2007. The questionnaires were distributed in the community of Oudtshoorn based on a stratified sampling method followed by a random sampling method. A total of 444 questionnaires were completed, 179 in 2006 and 265 in 2007. On a positive note respondents agreed on the following aspects in 2006 and 2007: the public money spent on the ABSA KKNK would be better spent on other things, media coverage of the ABSA KKNK promotes development in Oudtshoorn and the basic skill base for event management in Oudtshoorn has increased. On a negative note respondents agreed on the following aspects in 2006 and 2007: ordinary residents get no say in the planning and management of the festival and traffic congestion is a problem. The positive impact has increased from 2006 to 2007. Two factor analyses were performed to determine the social impact factors in order to determine differences in the social impact of 2006 and 2007. The first analysis resulted in nine factors which accounted for 56.85% of the total variance and were labeled as: community issues, damage to the environment, community activities, local business and community opportunities, pricing, public facilities, traffic, disturbances and visitors. The second analysis resulted in three factors that accounted for 44.22% of the total variance and were labelled according to similar characteristics which included: community opportunities, community problems and community image. Means and standards deviations were determined after which the effect sizes were determined to explore the differences between the social impact for 2006 and 2007 on the dimensions of the various factors as determined in the factor analysis. It is clear that a small effect (0.2-0.4) exists between 2006 and 2007 concerning local business opportunities (0.25), pricing of goods (0.24), community activities (0.35), public facilities (0.39) and community activities (0.48). There were therefore no huge differences in the social impact between 2006 and 2007. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the social impact of arts festivals with reference to the ABSA KKNK. This goal was achieved by firstly analysing the social impact phenomena and the role thereof in events tourism. Secondly, a literature study was conducted in order to examine events as tourism products. Thirdly the results of the empirical research were discussed. Lastly conclusions were drawn from the research and recommendations were made with regard to the social impact of events as well as further research. From the literature, social impact was defined as the changes in the norms and values of society that are more apparent in the short-term. It was noted that when tourists vacate to a specific destination, visible impacts are noticed. Events can however provide employment opportunities, promote international peace and pride, as well as promote educational and cultural experiences but it can also lead to increased levels of irritation, crime, drug and alcohol abuse and cultural change. These positive and negative impacts were measured in the questionnaire, as adapted from Fredline and it was therefore the objective of the questionnaire to measure whether the community is positive or negative towards the festival, and whether there were any differences in the social impact when comparing the results of 2006 and 2007. The questionnaires were distributed in the community of Oudtshoorn based on a stratified sampling method followed by a random sampling method. A total of 444 questionnaires were completed, 179 in 2006 and 265 in 2007. On a positive note respondents agreed on the following aspects in 2006 and 2007: the public money spent on the ABSA KKNK would be better spent on other things, media coverage of the ABSA KKNK promotes development in Oudtshoorn and the basic skill base for event management in Oudtshoorn has increased. On a negative note respondents agreed on the following aspects in 2006 and 2007: ordinary residents get no say in the planning and management of the festival and traffic congestion is a problem. The positive impact has increased from 2006 to 2007. Two factor analyses were performed to determine the social impact factors in order to determine differences in the social impact of 2006 and 2007. The first analysis resulted in nine factors which accounted for 56.85% of the total variance and were labeled as: community issues, damage to the environment, community activities, local business and community opportunities, pricing, public facilities, traffic, disturbances and visitors. The second analysis resulted in three factors that accounted for 44.22% of the total variance and were labelled according to similar characteristics which included: community opportunities, community problems and community image. Means and standards deviations were determined after which the effect sizes were determined to explore the differences between the social impact for 2006 and 2007 on the dimensions of the various factors as determined in the factor analysis. It is clear that a small effect (0.2-0.4) exists between 2006 and 2007 concerning local business opportunities (0.25), pricing of goods (0.24), community activities (0.35), public facilities (0.39) and community activities (0.48). There were therefore no huge differences in the social impact between 2006 and 2007. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Festivals have become a global phenomenon and now serve as a platform to promote the leisure and tourism industry within a nation. These events have an undisputed economic effect – not only on the hosting community – but also on the global community. Despite the encouraging community support and the socio-economic impact and spin-offs that are generated by means of such events, the financing of art festivals remains an intricate issue. The fact remains that not all festivals are financially self-sustainable and so require extensive sponsorship in order to ensure the continuation of the event. Limited government funding available due to budget constraints curbs the financial support forthcoming from municipalities and so forces event organisers to seek alternative funding to ensure the survival and feasibility of events. This responsibility places an additional burden on event organisers and so necessitates the use of assessment tools in order to convince private and public institutions or individuals to invest in such events through sponsorships. During an extensive literature study, it became apparent that the need exists to re-assess fully the economic impact analysis of events. The literature revealed that varying models are used to conduct economic impact analyses. In order to establish a concise framework within which to conduct an economic assessment, it was decided to select only the most-used models – Computable General Equilibrium (CGE), Input-Output (I-O) and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). The dilemma facing tourism economists is to determine which economic assessment approach is most effective as every methodology has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the type and size of an event also plays a fundamental role when selecting an appropriate measuring tool. This research was further motivated because of the existing gap that exists in the South African context for no study has yet been conducted where the various models that assess economic impact have been applied to the collated data of the same event. This study thus aims to provide an overview and a comparison of competing and supplementing methodologies for modelling the regional economic dynamics and the impacts of events. It further investigates the manner in which regional CGE, I-O and SAM based (multiplier) models operate towards capturing the region-specific, inter-regional and multi-regional production, consumption and factor market patterns as result of expenditures incurred during events. An analysis of the virtues and the limitations of these economic assessment methodologies suggests that it may be the considerations such as the data collection/compilation, expected output, research objectives and costs involved that ultimately determine the choice of a specific modelling framework. While addressing the problem stated above, this study produced the following three articles that are now embodied in the work: * Article 1 - “Critical assessment of economic impact analyses of the ABSA Klein Karoo National Arts Festival”, and * Article 2 - “Critical assessment of economic impact analyses of the Aardklop National Arts Festival”. Article 2 investigated and compared the economic assessment results when applying specific constructed models, being the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) for the appropriate provinces, to the available data obtained from previous surveys conducted at the 2010 ABSA Klein Karoo National Arts Festival and from the Aardklop National Arts Festival. The two articles indicated that when different models of assessment are applied to the same data set of an event, the economic impact results might differ significantly. This may serve as a warning to economic assessors, academics and researchers that economic impact results can be misleading and therefore the application thereof should be handled with the utmost care in order to avoid misinterpretations and misconceptions. * Article 3, “Assessing the economic impact of the Aardklop National Arts Festival: a feast of models to opt for – or not?” In this article, data from a visitor and business survey conducted at the 2010 Aardklop National Arts Festival was used in the analyses made by applying SAM, CGE and I-O regional models constructed for South Africa’s Northwest Province. Results from these analyses were then compared in order to give researchers and practitioners a better insight and clarity regarding which approach works best for the economic assessment of an arts festival. This article highlighted the fact that the measured economic impact results differ when various models that are applied to the same event. It also became evident that the most conservative economic impact was measured by an I-O model, followed with a higher SAM measurement, while CGE revealed the highest economic assessment. The most significant contribution of this study is embedded in the fact that within the South African context – and even globally – it is the first study of its kind that aimed to determine the economic impact by means of applying more than one assessment model to the data set of a single event. Further, this study provides guidelines for event organisers, academics and economic advisors to follow in conjunction with the existing body of knowledge and practical implementation structures when assessing the economic impact of events. / Thesis (PhD (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Festivals have become a global phenomenon and now serve as a platform to promote the leisure and tourism industry within a nation. These events have an undisputed economic effect – not only on the hosting community – but also on the global community. Despite the encouraging community support and the socio-economic impact and spin-offs that are generated by means of such events, the financing of art festivals remains an intricate issue. The fact remains that not all festivals are financially self-sustainable and so require extensive sponsorship in order to ensure the continuation of the event. Limited government funding available due to budget constraints curbs the financial support forthcoming from municipalities and so forces event organisers to seek alternative funding to ensure the survival and feasibility of events. This responsibility places an additional burden on event organisers and so necessitates the use of assessment tools in order to convince private and public institutions or individuals to invest in such events through sponsorships. During an extensive literature study, it became apparent that the need exists to re-assess fully the economic impact analysis of events. The literature revealed that varying models are used to conduct economic impact analyses. In order to establish a concise framework within which to conduct an economic assessment, it was decided to select only the most-used models – Computable General Equilibrium (CGE), Input-Output (I-O) and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM). The dilemma facing tourism economists is to determine which economic assessment approach is most effective as every methodology has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the type and size of an event also plays a fundamental role when selecting an appropriate measuring tool. This research was further motivated because of the existing gap that exists in the South African context for no study has yet been conducted where the various models that assess economic impact have been applied to the collated data of the same event. This study thus aims to provide an overview and a comparison of competing and supplementing methodologies for modelling the regional economic dynamics and the impacts of events. It further investigates the manner in which regional CGE, I-O and SAM based (multiplier) models operate towards capturing the region-specific, inter-regional and multi-regional production, consumption and factor market patterns as result of expenditures incurred during events. An analysis of the virtues and the limitations of these economic assessment methodologies suggests that it may be the considerations such as the data collection/compilation, expected output, research objectives and costs involved that ultimately determine the choice of a specific modelling framework. While addressing the problem stated above, this study produced the following three articles that are now embodied in the work: * Article 1 - “Critical assessment of economic impact analyses of the ABSA Klein Karoo National Arts Festival”, and * Article 2 - “Critical assessment of economic impact analyses of the Aardklop National Arts Festival”. Article 2 investigated and compared the economic assessment results when applying specific constructed models, being the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) for the appropriate provinces, to the available data obtained from previous surveys conducted at the 2010 ABSA Klein Karoo National Arts Festival and from the Aardklop National Arts Festival. The two articles indicated that when different models of assessment are applied to the same data set of an event, the economic impact results might differ significantly. This may serve as a warning to economic assessors, academics and researchers that economic impact results can be misleading and therefore the application thereof should be handled with the utmost care in order to avoid misinterpretations and misconceptions. * Article 3, “Assessing the economic impact of the Aardklop National Arts Festival: a feast of models to opt for – or not?” In this article, data from a visitor and business survey conducted at the 2010 Aardklop National Arts Festival was used in the analyses made by applying SAM, CGE and I-O regional models constructed for South Africa’s Northwest Province. Results from these analyses were then compared in order to give researchers and practitioners a better insight and clarity regarding which approach works best for the economic assessment of an arts festival. This article highlighted the fact that the measured economic impact results differ when various models that are applied to the same event. It also became evident that the most conservative economic impact was measured by an I-O model, followed with a higher SAM measurement, while CGE revealed the highest economic assessment. The most significant contribution of this study is embedded in the fact that within the South African context – and even globally – it is the first study of its kind that aimed to determine the economic impact by means of applying more than one assessment model to the data set of a single event. Further, this study provides guidelines for event organisers, academics and economic advisors to follow in conjunction with the existing body of knowledge and practical implementation structures when assessing the economic impact of events. / Thesis (PhD (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The primary objective of this study was to determine the communication efficacy at arts festivals with specific reference to the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). This goal was achieved by firstly discussing the concept of communication. Secondly, a literature study was conducted in order to examine the links between communication and events. Thirdly, the results of the empirical research were discussed, and finally conclusions were drawn from the research and recommendations were made with regard to the communication efficacy of events, as well as for further research. From the literature, communication between the event organisers and the local community was defined. It was noted that communication plays an integral part in the success of an event. The host community plays an integral part in events as role players. By establishing and implementing an effective communication strategy to and from the organisers, the KKNK will harvest the fruits of a successful cultural event. Participation, decision making and informing the stakeholders using different types of media was the means by which the KKNK organisers communicated with the host community. Positive and negative impacts were measured in a questionnaire. The questionnaire that sought to measure whether there were significant differences between the two host communities of Oudtshoorn, and whether there were any differences in the results of the communication strategy of the organisers when comparing the opinions of the white and of the coloured communities. The questionnaires were distributed among the community members of Oudtshoorn, using on a stratified sampling method, and by using a random sampling method. A total of 258 questionnaires were completed, 110 from the white community and 148 from the coloured community. Means and standards deviations were determined following the affected sizes to explore the differences between the importance of participation and communication in the two communities, based on the dimensions of the various factors as determined in the factor analysis. It became clear that there is a small effect (0.2-0.5) on the opinions of the two communities regarding their being informed, community participation and the communication from KKNK to the Oudtshoorn community in general. Decision-making and participation opinions resulted in medium effects. It is the major significance of these effect sizes that the white and coloured communities do not believe they have equal decision making opportunities and participation. The chi-square test of significance revealed a small significance (0.1 - 0.3) in the following areas: overall communication, information received and sought for through different types of media and importance of the KKNK to Oudtshoorn. A medium significance (0.3 - 0.5) was measured, and recommendations were made that programs meeting the needs of host communities, decision making and having the community become active in festival programs should be initiated. This study contributes to the limited amount of literature available on the communication efficacy of events to their host communities. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the communication efficacy at arts festivals with specific reference to the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). This goal was achieved by firstly discussing the concept of communication. Secondly, a literature study was conducted in order to examine the links between communication and events. Thirdly, the results of the empirical research were discussed, and finally conclusions were drawn from the research and recommendations were made with regard to the communication efficacy of events, as well as for further research. From the literature, communication between the event organisers and the local community was defined. It was noted that communication plays an integral part in the success of an event. The host community plays an integral part in events as role players. By establishing and implementing an effective communication strategy to and from the organisers, the KKNK will harvest the fruits of a successful cultural event. Participation, decision making and informing the stakeholders using different types of media was the means by which the KKNK organisers communicated with the host community. Positive and negative impacts were measured in a questionnaire. The questionnaire that sought to measure whether there were significant differences between the two host communities of Oudtshoorn, and whether there were any differences in the results of the communication strategy of the organisers when comparing the opinions of the white and of the coloured communities. The questionnaires were distributed among the community members of Oudtshoorn, using on a stratified sampling method, and by using a random sampling method. A total of 258 questionnaires were completed, 110 from the white community and 148 from the coloured community. Means and standards deviations were determined following the affected sizes to explore the differences between the importance of participation and communication in the two communities, based on the dimensions of the various factors as determined in the factor analysis. It became clear that there is a small effect (0.2-0.5) on the opinions of the two communities regarding their being informed, community participation and the communication from KKNK to the Oudtshoorn community in general. Decision-making and participation opinions resulted in medium effects. It is the major significance of these effect sizes that the white and coloured communities do not believe they have equal decision making opportunities and participation. The chi-square test of significance revealed a small significance (0.1 - 0.3) in the following areas: overall communication, information received and sought for through different types of media and importance of the KKNK to Oudtshoorn. A medium significance (0.3 - 0.5) was measured, and recommendations were made that programs meeting the needs of host communities, decision making and having the community become active in festival programs should be initiated. This study contributes to the limited amount of literature available on the communication efficacy of events to their host communities. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the social determinants of arts festivals with reference to the ABSA KKNK. This goal was achieved by firstly analysing the event/festival phenomenon and the role thereof in event/festival tourism. Secondly, a literature study was conducted in order to examine the role of the community in supporting events/festivals. And thirdly, the results of the empirical research were discussed. Lastly, conclusions were drawn from the research and recommendations were made with regard to the social determinants of events/festivals. Literature indicated that events/festivals are central to daily living as perhaps never before and it can also be said that events/festivals play certain social, economic, cultural and environmental roles. Events/festivals can have various positive impacts on a community, such as job opportunities, economical growth and upliftment of the community. However it can also create various negative impacts such as crime, prostitution and damage to the environment. It is important to increase the number of positive impacts and decrease the number of negative impacts. This may improve the support of the community for the event/festival and improve the sustainability of the event/festival. The support of the community is also influenced by aspects such as community concern, ecocentric attitudes, community attachment. These social support determinants were measured by means of a questionnaire, as adapted from Gursoy and Kendall (2006) and it was therefore the objective of the questionnaire to analyse the social determinants that that may improve community support. The survey was distributed in the community of Oudtshoorn in 2007 and the determinants, as well as the relationship between the determinants and support for the event/festival, were based on structural equation modeling. A total of 279 questionnaires were completed during the festival. Respondents were, in general, more positive about the festival than negative. The results of the structural equation modelling suggest that community attachment and benefits and costs perceived are the most important social determinants in gaining local support for the ABSA KKNK. In the case of this study, ecocentric attitudes and issues of community concern did not influence the level of support given to the event/festival. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the social determinants of arts festivals with reference to the ABSA KKNK. This goal was achieved by firstly analysing the event/festival phenomenon and the role thereof in event/festival tourism. Secondly, a literature study was conducted in order to examine the role of the community in supporting events/festivals. And thirdly, the results of the empirical research were discussed. Lastly, conclusions were drawn from the research and recommendations were made with regard to the social determinants of events/festivals. Literature indicated that events/festivals are central to daily living as perhaps never before and it can also be said that events/festivals play certain social, economic, cultural and environmental roles. Events/festivals can have various positive impacts on a community, such as job opportunities, economical growth and upliftment of the community. However it can also create various negative impacts such as crime, prostitution and damage to the environment. It is important to increase the number of positive impacts and decrease the number of negative impacts. This may improve the support of the community for the event/festival and improve the sustainability of the event/festival. The support of the community is also influenced by aspects such as community concern, ecocentric attitudes, community attachment. These social support determinants were measured by means of a questionnaire, as adapted from Gursoy and Kendall (2006) and it was therefore the objective of the questionnaire to analyse the social determinants that that may improve community support. The survey was distributed in the community of Oudtshoorn in 2007 and the determinants, as well as the relationship between the determinants and support for the event/festival, were based on structural equation modeling. A total of 279 questionnaires were completed during the festival. Respondents were, in general, more positive about the festival than negative. The results of the structural equation modelling suggest that community attachment and benefits and costs perceived are the most important social determinants in gaining local support for the ABSA KKNK. In the case of this study, ecocentric attitudes and issues of community concern did not influence the level of support given to the event/festival. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.