Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-economic impact of tourism on communities around the tourist destinations and tourist attractions, with specific reference to the Pilanesberg National Park and the specific impact it has on the communities around it. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used and 252 respondents responded positively by filling in questionnaires. Interviews were conducted with the Pilanesberg National Park management. The research findings reveal that the communities around the Pilanesberg National Park, specifically Mogwase, Moruleng, Ledig and Mabele-a-pudi are benefiting from the National Park through employment. Findings also indicate that the National Park is contributing positively towards the local economy of the area and the development of the communities. At the same time, however, the research findings indicate that the national park is impacting negatively on the local communities by contributing to the increasing cost of services.

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This thesis studies aspects of cultural heritage tourism in China. Relevant secondary tourism data in relation to tourist receipts and income generated from tourism activities are provided so as to present the different developmental state of the world and Chinese cultural heritage tourism. The thesis identifies that although many academic tourism researchers have discussed the cultural heritage issues, there is a gap that no English paper is available to identify the differences between current English and Chinese academic tourism studies in relation to cultural heritage issues. Cultural heritage issues studied by the current Chinese academic tourism researchers are limited to the World Heritage Sites inscribed by UNESCO, and local significant cultural heritage sites are left untouched. In this case, the English and Chinese literature in relation to cultural heritage, management and tourism product issues are reviewed and the gap that no English literature is available to discuss the different academic foci is filled. Secondly, a local cultural heritage site, Chen Ancestor's Temple, located in the southern part of China, is selected as the case study so as to challenge the current Chinese cultural heritage tourism study focus. A new direction which advocates the Chinese academic tourism researchers to turn their focus on local significant cultural heritage sites is established. To examine the current cultural heritage tourism in Chen Ancestor's Temple, two research methodologies are employed so as to gather first hand data. Quantitatively, a survey of tourist behaviors--before, during and after visitation of Chen Ancestor's Temple is conducted so as to supplement the statistics available and get to know more about Chen Ancestor's Temple current tourism development. Qualitatively, the in-depth interviews are conducted so as to investigate the issues of five stakeholder groups in relation to the development and management issues of Chen Ancestor's Temple. Themes are identified from the issues concerned by the five stakeholder groups and some recommendations are thus made.In all, this thesis compares the existing cultural heritage tourism literature in English and Chinese so as to advance the overall state of knowledge. The study of Chen Ancestor's Temple makes a further advance by establishing a new direction for Chinese academic tourism scholarship so as to focus towards locally significant cultural heritage sites.

Events provide opportunities for communities to socialise, interact and to enjoy a sense of mutual celebration. However, special interest events offer other opportunities for recreation, and for the development of skills, identities and knowledge. Events such as car shows, Sci-fi conventions and Elvis festivals have large numbers of participants, as well as spectators, who have specialised needs and characteristics. This thesis uses a series of five published studies to examine the participants at special interest events and further to understand their characteristics and behaviours. The studies employ a mixed method approach to explore participants at a total of eleven events in Australia. In the first of these studies a spectrum of events is developed to explain the diversity of events in a region, as related to the special interest of participants. The study used a mixed method methodology to examine the differences between audiences at nine events in the Tweed Valley of NSW. The results were used to focus the study more on events that target serious participants.The second study was published as a conceptual paper, providing a comprehensive theoretical framework for the study of serious participants of leisure, recreation and events. The paper posits a model of serious participants (SerPa) for use and refinement in subsequent studies. Papers 3 and 4 explore serious participants at two feature events in Australia, the Wintersun Festival in Coolangatta, and the Elvis Revival Festival in Parkes. Drawing on the serious leisure framework proposed by Stebbins (2001), and other leisure and tourism research, the study explored the characteristics and behaviours of serious participants at these events. Ethnographic methods were used to gain insight into behaviours, through participant observation at the events. The findings further develop the SerPa model, but also identify other themes that are relevant to leisure and event management and marketing. Paper 5 explores the social connections of serious participants made on the Internet, and identifies their relationship to travel planning and events. The study utilised ethnographic methods adapted to the Internet, to identify and discuss the social characteristics of serious participants as fans of Lord of the Rings, and the processes used to collaborate toward travel planning.The study demonstrates the significance of serious participants as a segment of audiences at events, highlighting their contributions to the events themselves. As participants, they make the event happen, and are perhaps more important than consumers (Getz, 2007). They are defined by what they do in their leisure time, more than who they were born as, or by their profession. They have a leisure identity that defines them, and can find support and security in the fanatical system that they subscribe to. This system is usually found in special interest clubs, on-line networks and at events. These social systems help sustain their beliefs, and provide a leisure world where they feel a sense of ‘we’. From their serious devotion and social connectivity, serious participants receive social and personal rewards, which in turn provide more stimuli to develop their skills and/or knowledge. These psycho/social characteristics result in participants searching for new challenges and new destinations, which can facilitate their needs. These are found at events that are designed specifically with serious participants in mind. The study demonstrates that identification of these market segments has important implications for the design and sustainability of events in Australia, and overseas. Additionally, it also has implications for planners and practitioners in leisure and tourism in understanding the extant links between recreation, travel and events.

China is rising rapidly as a new major source of outbound tourists in the world. The market potential is enormous. For New Zealand, the visitor numbers will jump to almost 160,000 within the following five years, making China one of New Zealand's biggest markets. Chinese outbound travel agencies play dominate role in operating and organizing international travel in China as outbound travel is highly controlled by the government and outbound agencies are the only group who are authorized to do international travel businesses. Therefore, it is imperative for the New Zealand tourism industry to understand the nature of the Chinese outbound travel agencies and the distribution system as it helps successfully market New Zealand in the Chinese market.This thesis explores the structure of distribution channels linking China and New Zealand and examines the performance of Chinese outbound travel agencies in conducting outbound travel to New Zealand in the Chinese market. The research studies the inter-dependent relationships and partnerships between outbound travel agencies and various channel members. It identifies the functions of channel members from each level in the distribution system and provides behavioural explanations for their distribution decisions. It also discusses the characteristics of the Chinese outbound market and Chinese travel preferences indirectly from tourism suppliers' perspetive aiming at providing a better understanding of the behavioural characteristics of Chinese outbound travel agencies and why the industry functions the way it does in the Chinese market.The research used qualitative research method in order to obtain an in-depth understanding into a wide range of issues in relation to the topic. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to study the functions and performance of the outbound travel agencies as well as other channel members at every level both at the market and the destination. By examining the entire distribution system across national boundaries, this thesis seeks to expose multiplicities involved in the Chinese outbound travel and provide a systematic and comprehensive study.The research findings show that Chinese outbound travel agencies are the most influential member in the entire distribution system. They act as a bridge linking the Chinese market and the destination. They work with Chinese travel retailers by introducing a variety of international tour products and providing up-to-date information. They are highly dependent on inbound travel agents at the destination in terms of obtaining information and providing ground services. Limited number of outbound travel agencies makes them well positioned along the distribution system and gives them the advantage over other channel members. However, the Chinese outbound travel industry is immature and very price oriented. Due to the lack of destination information, price is considered as the most critical factor to make purchasing decision for both travel industry and the market. This feature was taken advantage by some overseas tour operators since they have been involved in selling below cost tour packages and low value trips. Many countries were facing this problem from the Chinese market. Moreover, New Zealand inbound tour operators were more satisfied with large travel agencies in China since they have reasonably good destination knowledge and better understanding of conducting business while the rest of the market was considered lack of sufficient information about the New Zealand products. Education and training programme are required in the Chinese market in order to improve the image of the destination and increase market share.

A critical understanding of stakeholders' involvement in destination tourism planning and development, and the factors that influence their perceptions, opinions and involvement in the decision-making process and evaluation of the destination competitive strategies, is not only important for tourism destination planners and managers, but also for the host community's support for tourism development and the destination's competitiveness. It has been widely recognised that tourism destinations need to plan their development strategies to succeed internationally and gain a sustainable competitive advantage. However, there is scant empirical evidence that addresses approaches in which stakeholder participation in the planning process contributes to destination competitiveness. This study examines the interrelationships between various destination-specific situational factors, including economic, social, political, environmental, and cultural factors, community participation, community attachment, and impact on the development of the Sultanate of Oman's tourism resources and attractions, and in turn the support of its competitive strategies. Furthermore, it investigates potential effects of those interrelationships on the government's initiatives in formulating and implementing tourism development, management and marketing policies/strategies. The key objective is to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework of tourism destination competitiveness that focuses on a stakeholder's perspective of Oman, and investigates the interrelationships between its constructs. Such an approach echoes the stakeholder perspective of 'Third Way' tourism planning suggested by Burns (2004). This study utilises social exchange and stakeholder theory. Accordingly, the research problem is: How does the interrelationship between destination-specific situational factors, stakeholders' perceived power (community participation), and community attachment, impact on the development of Oman's tourism resources and attractions, and in turn the support of its competitive strategies? Furthermore, what effects may those interrelationships have on the government's approaches in formulating and implementing tourism development and marketing policies? A four-step methodological approach including qualitative and quantitative methods was applied. Following research refinement and pilot studies, a total of 987 usable questionnaires were collected from Omani stakeholders using a convenience and quota sampling method. The final empirical results were submitted to three focus groups in Oman for elucidation and confirmation of results, with a particular focus on the practical implications. The hypotheses testing indicated that tourism stakeholders' preferences about tourism resources and attractions development are a function of socio-cultural impacts, economic impacts, and community participation. Furthermore, the results highlighted a strong link between stakeholders' preferences about tourism resources and attractions and support for competitive destination strategies such as destination marketing efforts and activities, and sustainable destination management and practices. Additionally, empirical results supported the existence of a relationship between community participation and community attachment constructs; however this relationship was somewhat negative. The study also did not prove the existence of any relationship between community attachment and preferences about tourism resources and attractions development constructs. Furthermore, new findings that were not hypothesised indicated that tourism stakeholders who perceived socio-cultural and economic impacts were most likely to support further tourism development and competitive destination strategies. Additionally, stakeholders' attachment to their communities had a weak but positive effect on their perception about tourism's environmental impacts and sustainable destination management and practices. The focus group participants mostly confirmed the study's empirical findings with a few diverging opinions regarding some issues such as environmental impacts and mass tourism versus alternative tourism policies. Thus, the study's findings provided various theoretical and methodological contributions, closing the gap in the notions of destination competitiveness and stakeholders' active participation in tourism planning and development. As well, the practical implications of the study's findings could be adopted by Oman's tourism planning authorities to enhance the destination's competitiveness in the international tourism marketplace. This study is considered a personal effort. Thus, I used the first person 'I' throughout the study to express and reflect my personal work. The use of 'I' in research is not an unacceptable notion, however, it is recommended that the researcher not take cover behind using 'we' or the 'researcher' in his/her work (Gummesson, 2000, p.xi).

This thesis explored careers within Australian tourism with the aim of developing a model of influences on career development in the tourism industry. As tourism is still an emerging profession, careers have yet to be clearly defined and career paths are not easily identifiable. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that the industry is prone to high turnover, low retention rates, is often viewed as a low skilled industry and has difficulty attracting employees with a view to serious career development. While some research into careers into hotel management is available, in depth career studies in the tourism industry have yet to emerge. This thesis addresses this gap in the literature and provides industry stakeholders with information to assist in human resource management and policy development. The researcher drew finding from an electronic survey that was designed from information collected from an exploratory study conducted by the researcher, from literature available on both career development and research on the tourism industry, and from earlier research projects. This electronic survey was designed to collect primarily qualitative data and was disseminated to the Australian tourism industry. Results from this study suggest that careers in the tourism industry are influenced by a variety of mentoring relationships. Both formal education and on-the-job training was found to be increasingly important for those wanting to advance in the industry and remaining mobile between jobs, between organisations, within industries and geographically was advantageous. A motivation to work in tourism and a "passion" for the industry was found to be a strong influence on career development in the current study. This study should add to our understanding of careers in Australian tourism and, more specifically to our understanding of the role of formal education and on-the-job training in career development and the perceived value of such training. The current study reinforces previous knowledge of high levels of mobility within the tourism industry and suggests the need to change job, organisation, industry or geographical location is influential on career development in Australian tourism. In addition, the results suggest that although structured mentorship programs are currently unavailable to many in the tourism industry, mentorship in the form of informal and networking relationships assists career development. While this thesis has contributed to our understanding of career development in the tourism industry, because of inevitable limitations with the sample obtain for this study, it would be useful to replicate this survey with other sectors of the tourism, to explore influences on careers in tourism in other countries, to investigate gender issues in the industry and to further explore the influences of education, mobility and mentorship.

No description available.

<p>This thesis explores communities’ participation and involvement in both wildlife-based and tourist activities in south Luangwa national park with particular focus on local participation/ devolution. Specifically, it assesses whether the legal provisions for community participation in wildlife management spelt out in the wildlife policy take into account various factors which enhances the effectiveness of local participation in CBNRM. It then examines various forms of community participation in wildlife management and small scale tourism activities. Finally, the study examines sources of conflict which may occur over natural resources in SLNP and adjacent GMA.</p><p>The study uses political ecology and protected area management paradigm as the theoretical frameworks. The former comprises four major elements, which include the politicization of the environment, a focus on actors as the contestants in this politicization, inequality in distribution of power between and among actors in the park, and the dynamic involvement of natural environment in this process. The latter, uses a CBC framework that is based on: allowing people living near the protected lands to participate in land-use policy and management decisions; giving people proprietorship or ownership over wildlife resources; and, giving local people economic benefit from wildlife conservation. A case study approach is adopted involving qualitative research method. Data were collected through personal observation, formal and informal interviews, focus groups and document review. In a case study approach, an empirical inquiry, which investigates contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context such like wildlife, is analyzed and interpreted through the selected theoretical frameworks.</p><p>The data reveal that, local people living near SLNP and in the Lupande GMA do not per se actively participate in land-use policy and management decisions. Further, data indicate that community resource boards in the three chiefdoms have not been given ownership over wildlife resources. ZAWA has continued appropriating all the revenues accruing from wildlife utilization in the area since its inception. This is contrary to what is stated in the wildlife policy and wildlife Act 1998. Also, data shows that many local people do not individually benefit from wildlife-based and tourist activities. Additionally, data indicates that different interest groups expect different types of participation to achieve their own goals. Accordingly, participation varied among various interest groups although much of it as reported by respondents concentrated in the two lower levels of Pretty’ typology. The findings are significant because they offer a framework for understanding challenges and conflicts related to wildlife conservation and tourism development.</p>

This thesis explores communities’ participation and involvement in both wildlife-based and tourist activities in south Luangwa national park with particular focus on local participation/ devolution. Specifically, it assesses whether the legal provisions for community participation in wildlife management spelt out in the wildlife policy take into account various factors which enhances the effectiveness of local participation in CBNRM. It then examines various forms of community participation in wildlife management and small scale tourism activities. Finally, the study examines sources of conflict which may occur over natural resources in SLNP and adjacent GMA. The study uses political ecology and protected area management paradigm as the theoretical frameworks. The former comprises four major elements, which include the politicization of the environment, a focus on actors as the contestants in this politicization, inequality in distribution of power between and among actors in the park, and the dynamic involvement of natural environment in this process. The latter, uses a CBC framework that is based on: allowing people living near the protected lands to participate in land-use policy and management decisions; giving people proprietorship or ownership over wildlife resources; and, giving local people economic benefit from wildlife conservation. A case study approach is adopted involving qualitative research method. Data were collected through personal observation, formal and informal interviews, focus groups and document review. In a case study approach, an empirical inquiry, which investigates contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context such like wildlife, is analyzed and interpreted through the selected theoretical frameworks. The data reveal that, local people living near SLNP and in the Lupande GMA do not per se actively participate in land-use policy and management decisions. Further, data indicate that community resource boards in the three chiefdoms have not been given ownership over wildlife resources. ZAWA has continued appropriating all the revenues accruing from wildlife utilization in the area since its inception. This is contrary to what is stated in the wildlife policy and wildlife Act 1998. Also, data shows that many local people do not individually benefit from wildlife-based and tourist activities. Additionally, data indicates that different interest groups expect different types of participation to achieve their own goals. Accordingly, participation varied among various interest groups although much of it as reported by respondents concentrated in the two lower levels of Pretty’ typology. The findings are significant because they offer a framework for understanding challenges and conflicts related to wildlife conservation and tourism development.