Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / The past decades indicate enormous interest in tourism as a tool for regional economic development. However, it is not always clear if tourism creates a significant contribution to local destination communities, as, in most cases, benefits from tourism emerge slowly and usually accrue to certain groups within the community. This study is driven by the researcher’s desire in determining tourism’s contribution to local community development, and to seek ways in which the local indigenous community can enhance their standard of living through tourism. Hence, increased understanding of tourism’s contribution to community development is necessary to establish strategies to ensure that employees and community receive equal benefits from tourism. Therefore, the study sought to investigate ‘the contribution of tourism to local community development, using Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village (SZCV) as a case. A qualitative and quantitative approach was employed. However, more emphasis was placed on the qualitative approach. The study sample compromised of 84 purposely selected employees of SZCV. The data collected were coded and organised according to the interview questions and were analysed and interpreted according to five analytic categories that were based on the objectives of the study. The findings of the study indicated that: SZCV contributes to local community development; and SZCV has different tourism employment categories that improve the community’s livelihoods in Eshowe, including cultural dancers, cultural chief, traditional herbalist, sangoma, arts and craft workers, chefs, receptionist, reservationist, spaza shop retailer, food and beverage manager, front office manager, maintenance manager as well as cultural manager. The study further revealed that a few respondents received training for their positions; and that the majority of employees are involved in the decision-making process within the SZCV; however, this involvement was not at a strategic level. Furthermore, the study recomended that local community development in Eshowe needs to be improved especially through the diversification of the cultural village. This is attainable by forming a partnership with other tourism business in close proximity to the SZCV that attract a high volume of tourist, to increase the possible benefits to communities that are residing along SZCV. / M

Thesis (M. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State

Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / Carnival events have become significant factors in tourism development and marketing initiatives of most destinations. The developments, in threefold, economic, socio-cultural and environmental experienced by host communities of tourism attractions and resorts result in the emergence of carnival events as critical destination products. The current research found that the selected stakeholders, particularly residents, businesses and event attendees’ perceptions are often overlooked although they are directly impacted by carnival events, especially when they reside (for residents and businesses) in close proximity to the event location. In addition, tourism businesses operating in the Green Point area, the place where the carnival parade takes place, were included in this study to ascertain their views about the Cape Town Carnival. In most cases, successful carnival events are underpinned by community support as well as the visitors or attendees to the event; therefore, it is crucial to examine stakeholders’ perceptions towards such events. The aim of this study was to determine how selected stakeholders (residents, businesses, and event attendees) perceive an annual cultural event, the Cape Town Carnival, hosted in a Cape Town suburb. It also sought to establish the overall value of this event following a triple bottom-line approach (economic, socio-cultural, and environmental). This investigation explored the perceptions and experiences of the residents, businesses, and event attendees in Green Point in relation to the carnival, as well as highlighting the positive and negative aspects of their experience. The research primarily adopted quantitative research approach by using three survey questionnaires (residents, businesses and event attendees) with both closed and open-ended questions. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24 and the findings were visually presented by the use of frequency tables and charts. The general findings indicated that the selected stakeholders were in favour of the Cape Town Carnival to continue being hosted in the Green Point area, although there were some issues that were viewed as the negative impacts of hosting this event. The study’s findings show that the event is perceived positively by the stakeholders even though some had reservations to the idea of the event continuing in the area. Community involvement and enhancing safety and security during event period were some of the recommendations that could see the event continuing flawlessly. The study notes the importance of event organisers to understand the three stakeholders since they contribute to the success of the event. However, even though there are many benefits that are likely to accrue to residents, businesses and event attendees associated with hosting an event of this magnitude, one should not overlook the negative impacts that are potentially connected to such a hosting since this informs how the stakeholders perceive the event.