A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters of Recreation and Tourism in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the the University of Zululand, 2000. / Community participation in tourism developments in KwaNgcolosi (KwaZulu-Natal) forms an integral part of the government objectives in the tourism industry which are inter alia to, build a world class tourism industry and to integrate historically disadvantaged people into the mainstream of the industry. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which KwaNgcolosi communities are involved in tourism development in their area. It also aims to undertake a feasibility study of the establishment of the Zulu Cultural Village at KwaNgcolosi by the community members where they could be really involved and benefit. The following objectives were set for this study: ^> To reveal the level of involvement by the local community in the development of tourism infrastructure. => To establish the social, economic and environmental benefits and problems the community experiences from the existence of the KwaNgcolosi reserve. => To identify problems that hinder the community's participation in tourism development in their area. => To undertake a feasibility study on the development of a Zulu Cultural Village where the KwaNgcolosi community will be involved. The results from the survey indicate that there are a number of local people who really want to get involved in the tourism business as traditional dancers; sell traditional craft work; become cleaners and so forth. At the present moment KwaNgcolosi community's involvement in tourism development in their area is mostly at the level of temporary jobs which are occasionally offered to unskilled labour. Jobs offered to semi-skilled and skilled labour are limited. Problems seem to be more prominent than benefits. Some of the problems identified are: the lack of jobs from KwaNgcolosi reserve; no improvement in the general infrastructure; local artistic talent not used and pollution from cars. The lack of tourism awareness has been identified as one major contributing factor that hinders community participation in tourism development, as well as the breakdown of communication between Msinsi Holdings which is a company that is responsible for the administration of KwaNgcolosi reserve and the KwaNgcolosi chief. The feasibility study of the proposed Zulu Cultural Village was successful. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will encourage the establishment of the proposed Zulu Cultural Village. Some of the recommendations that emerged from the study include the following: => Mechanisms should be made by Msinsi Holdings and the KwaNgcolosi chief to provide kiosks or shelter for community members who want to sell their traditional handcraft in or near the KwaNgcolosi reserve. => The KwaNgcolosi chief must work hand in hand with Msinsi Holdings to improve the general infrastructure in KwaNgcolosi area. => Tourism awareness campaigns are needed in KwaNgcolosi community. => Community members interested in establishing a Zulu Cultural Village project, must be encouraged and supported by all stakeholders. The researcher concludes by indicating that there is a potential for community participation in tourism development at KwaNgcolosi, because the type of tourism product to be developed is related to their culture and they have most of the cultural skills, they only need to be empowered with business running skills and financial support to start the proposed Zulu Cultural Village business. It is only when the community benefits financially, socially and otherwise, that their participation in tourism development will become meaningful to them. / University of Zululand

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters of Recreation and Tourism in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the the University of Zululand, 2009. / Any development or promotion of a product, be it in cultural tourism development or heritage, needs to be well planned and executed on the basis of existing policies, so as to effectively benefit the broader local community. Many municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, such as the Ndwedwe Local Municipality, are dependent on an effective implementation of local policies and cultural tourism national mandate to promote tourism development within their areas with a bias to enhance Black economic empowerment. The application of such principles is particularly needed in the Ndwedwe Local Municipality, mainly for addressing of basic needs, equity and redistribution of cultural tourism wealth for the benefit of the previously disadvantaged communities. The fundamental aim of this research study is to establish how stakeholders perceive the existence and effectiveness of tourism policies and practices in the development and promotion of cultural tourism in the Ndwedwe Local Municipality. In other words the study seeks to establish the role played by policy and practice in the involvement, participation, and beneficiation of the Ndwedwe local communities. Among other things, the study is also carried out with a purpose of motivating the local community at Ndwedwe, to promote cultural tourism as well as to strive for the conservation of culture and heritage. It is clear that one of South Africa’ most abundant resources are the people and their diverse cultures. It is only recently that local community’s culture has begun to be appreciated and acknowledged for their true tourism potential. So cultural and heritage tourism is gradually gaining widespread acceptance as a true tourist attraction and also emerging as one of the most promising areas of economic development in South Africa. In order to put this investigation in its proper perspective, the following objectives were formulated: (a) To determine the level of understanding that the Ndwedwe stakeholders have towards the meaning of cultural tourism. (b) To examine the importance and value of developing and conserving culture for future generations in the study area. (c) To investigate the provision and maintenance of cultural and heritage tourism facilities in the study area. (d) To establish the levels of stakeholders participation in cultural and heritage tourism activities in the Ndwedwe Municipal Area. (e) To indicate how stakeholders perceive the existence and effectiveness of tourism policies and practices in the study area. (f) To assess the extent to which cultural and heritage tourism benefits are perceived by Ndwedwe stakeholders within the study area. The methodology for collecting data comprised a stratified sample size of 133 respondents, who were distributed in the Ndwedwe Local Municipality as follows: sample consisting of Tourism & Municipal Officials [12], Tourists [21], Tour Operators [16] and Local Community [84]. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS] computer programme and represented using frequency tables and various graphics.

The thesis provides an integrated approach to tourism development within a destination (in this case Libya) that is currently suffering from lack of both short and long term investment due to an extremely uncertain political and social environment. The influences are both internal and external and could be classed as a ‘perfect storm’ affecting the country. The thesis identifies the stages of development, and those responsible for development by using an adapted butler model. It then suggests potential interventions at stages within the development, and ways in which the industry can respond quickly to the ever-changing environment of both investment and capacity building. The responses are based within the concept E-Marketing; a broad term but a modern approach to marketing that can respond quickly to changing environmental conditions. The thesis asserts that with these new methodologies the uncertainty element within a destination can be somewhat negated by the ability of the tourism industry to respond quickly both to market and de-market a destination. The suggestion is that for the foreseeable future tourism development in Libya will always be in a transitional period. The why for the thesis is because tourism has the potential to generate sizeable revenues within the Middle East and Africa, but has always suffered from significant underinvestment and varying levels of development. Libya has tourism development potential, and the thesis outlines the large number of tourist areas and unique attractions. To understand the current position of Libya in touristic terms an exploratory, qualitative, cross-sectional research strategy was adopted based on interviews with Libya stakeholders, Muslims consumers and country case analysis. The theoretical framework draws on contemporary marketing and e-Marketing theory intersecting development theory and destination management theory to investigate the role of e-Marketing. The key findings indicate that e-marketing represents a diverse toolbox that can be brought to bear in a highly integrated and focused approach that in itself becomes a source of competitive advantage. A technology-enabled e-marketing driven tourism framework provides Libya with the capacity to de-market its tourism programme, combined with the ability to reposition geographically and respond to crises caused by civil unrest. e - ii - Marketing systems provide significant potential to establish highly resilient and available infrastructures and the creation of a virtual space for planning management and tourism marketing. Critically, this thesis suggests tourism development is not wholly constrained by fragmented and transitional context. E-Marketing can counter physical and geographical constraints to facilitate diverse forms of information, communication, knowledge transfer and collaboration that enable creative forms of financing and resourcing and product development. The interconnectedness of e-Marketing processes and systems and the links between diverse actors, and institutions reflects in essence an ecosystem that is significant in allowing countries in transition to develop in highly dynamic and responsive approach. There is thus the substantial potential for the model proposed to progressively mobilise collective action, market knowledge and engagement that is critical for transitional economies.

<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.

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The study focused on formal and informal non-metropolitan small- to medium sized tourism accommodation (NSMTA) facilities in Limpopo, the challenges relating to their capacity and their potential role in tourism promotion and development in the province. The apparent lack of the use of strategic planning approaches to promote tourism development among NSMTA operators seemed to create three interrelated problems that were deemed necessary to address. First, the developmental problem where operators show no interest in developing their enterprises in a way that could advance provincial tourism growth or development; second, an absence of visible, co-ordinated effort on the part of relevant provincial tourism stakeholders to promote tourism development through strategic planning; and third, the noticeable gap between demand and supply. The main aim of the study was to present a generic strategic plan that could be used to ensure that the accommodation sector would offer a prompt response to any change in tourism demand or supply as well as attending to the ongoing process of adjustment of services. Various approaches to data collection were adopted with the concurrent use of questionnaires and interviews to elicit objective responses being particularly valuable. Several interesting findings came to the fore. The researcher identified a number of the NSMTA enterprises, which had gained strategic locational advantages because of their positioning in proximity to areas like the Kruger National Park, the Bela-Bela warm baths and mineral springs, the Bushveld countryside of the Waterberg and the scenic beauty of the Valley of the Olifants in the vicinity of Hoedspruit, that appeared to give accommodation operators a better chance of success. These locations generally exhibited characteristics that placed NSMTA facilities in relevant and viable settings in terms of convenience, to ultimately contribute to growth in the tourism industry. The long-accepted notion that the majority of small business owners in South Africa had lower socio-economic status was not supported in that many of the respondents were professional people and farmers who had other sources of income. In addition, the study’s findings regarding the development of informal enterprises is contrary to the general perception which assumes that ‘informal sectors develop spontaneously; it revealed that even the smallest of tourism accommodation operators did some kind of planning before the actual establishment of their operation. According to the survey, the nature of formal business planning varied, depending on the type of operation. The less sophisticated, smaller accommodation establishments and tour businesses reflected a personal focus and commitment to the product rather than to selling the service offered. Furthermore, they were less inclined to formalise their business operation, ignoring grading status and interaction with other stakeholders. Single-handed management was common (60%). Two thirds (68%) of the owners/managers who took part in the in-depth interviews justified their decision not to adopt a formal business plan. Uncertainties regarding forecasting business profitability and identifying market tendencies, made projecting future trends difficult. Respondents felt that formal business planning was too rigid for the increasingly dynamic nature of the industry. Other reasons were the sizes of enterprises, lack of time, knowledge and ambition to expand, because businesses were merely supplementary sources of family income not solely a business operation. Tourism promotion efforts were inconsistent throughout all four tourism regions and within the accommodation enterprise categories. Variations were influenced by factors such as visitor demand, regional characteristics, and physical accessibility of the region, the business size the owners/manager’s motivation, management style and marketing strategies. The research findings point to a number of key issues that create a gap between demand and supply. Contextual differences related to contrasting geographical environments, the nature and size of the tourism accommodation operation, its management and ownership structure, the personal characteristics and abilities of the owner/manager and understanding the socio-economic importance of the tourism business. Ultimately the study presents a generic strategic plan geared to reacting to change and the demand conditions in the tourism accommodation market. If implemented, its integrated and long-term approach could enhance tourism development at local, provincial and national levels. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Tourism Management / unrestricted

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2007 / The main purpose of this study was to investigate the benefit of tourism development in Thulamela Municipality with specific reference to Mphaphuli Nature Reserve and Phiphidi Waterfalls. It was found out that the two tourist areas had great potential for tourism growth. In this study tourism was considered as an industry that had positive impacts on the quality of life a nation, province and the host community. Tourism was seen as an industry that provided employment opportunities, increased incomes and spread development. Three benefits of tourism development were mentioned in this study. The economic benefits such as employment, income etc was found to be real since there were people who were employed in these tourist areas whose quality of life changed because of tourism development. The other benefit was the environmental benefit which resulted into the conservation of nature. The social benefit of tourism development was shown to be a manner in which tourism effects changes in collective and individual value systems, behavior patterns, community structures, lifestyle and the quality of life. For the success of this study, the researcher had to decide on the research design and methodology to be employed in the study. The researcher decided on the target population from which a stratified random sampling was used to get the respondents. The research design employed in this study was the qualitative one. The research methods used to collect data were the observation and interviews. A form on which to record the field notes during observation was designed. Three types of interview questionnaires were prepared to collect data. The collected data was then analyzed. From the data collected through observation and interview, the researcher started with data analysis process. It was found that tourism development, if well fostered, can lead to economic, environmental and social benefits. There were people that were employed in these tourist areas and this improved their quality of life. Several recommendations about the critical issues raised during the study were made / Limpopo Agro-Food Technology Station (LATS) and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Recreation and Tourism degree in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, 2009. / The differentially-abled tourism market is a niche market that could make a significant contribution to the region’s economy. This market is, however, a largely untapped activity in the study area. An Integrated National Disability Strategy White Paper was published in November 1997 by the South African government as a guideline to cater for those who have physical and related challenges. However, the contents of the strategy are not obvious or known to recreation service providers within the study area. The rights of people with disabilities are protected by the South African Constitution. People with disabilities should be able to access the same fundamental rights and responsibilities as any other South African. People with disabilities are equal citizens and should therefore enjoy equal rights and responsibilities. In line with this, tourism opportunities and equal participation in tourism activities should be the norm but this is not evident in the study area. This study therefore is based on the following objectives. The objectives have been formulated as component parts within the larger research goal. (a) To establish the respondents’ understanding of the meaning and importance of tourism for the differentially-able [physically challenged] in the study area. (b) To investigate the adequacy and provision of recreation facilities and services for the differentially-able [physically challenged] tourists in the study area. (c) To determine the extent to which the differentially-able [physically challenged] tourists visit and participate in recreation activities in the study area. establish the approximate number of differentially able tourist visiting the eThekwini Municipal Area. (d) To ascertain the strategies or management practices, which are used by the Ethekwini Municipal authorities to offer services to the differentially-able [physically challenged] tourists in the study area. (e) To investigate the extent to which recreation service providers are implementing the policy of Integrated National Disability Strategy, relating to recreation service provision for the differentially-able [physically challenged] persons in the study area. Through the postulation of some related hypotheses, the data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the research study established that many of the recreation service providers do not cater for this niche market. The activities offered by recreation service providers are geared towards able bodied tourists. Furthermore, many of the service providers are not aware of the contents of the Integrated Disability Strategy White Paper. Some are not even aware of the existence of such a White Paper. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has conducted some research on the differentially-able market but has been slow to bring on board the relevant service providers. It is the contention of this study that the tourism authorities need to spearhead and be the driving force behind the campaign for empowering the differentially-able tourism related market. It would be in the region’s best interest to target this market, as it would secure sizeable revenue that would create positive spin-offs for the region as a whole. The study closes by proposing some recommendations towards ameliorating the plight of the physically challenged recreators and tourists. Some of these findings are: (a) National and regional tourism organization need to establish guidelines for tourism service providers with regard to tourism for the differentially-abled. (b) Develop tourist areas that cater for the needs of the differentially-abled in terms of transportation, accommodation, access to tourism sites and services. (c) Enlist the assistance of various organisations that cater for varying forms of disability to research the needs and challenges of its members in terms of travel. (d) Develop accessible websites with relevant information for the tourist as well as the service providers. (e) Provide incentives for tourism operators and service providers to cater for tourists with disability. Award prizes to those service providers who cater for the differentially-abled market. (f) Use the Integrated National Disability Strategy White Paper: November 1997 to develop educational and training programmes for tourism service providers. Differentially-abled persons could assist with the development of relevant programmes and could act as advisors.

A dissertation of limited scope submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters of Recreation and Tourism in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, 2009. / Coastal tourism development strategies are a new phenomenon in the world of community development and community conservation. The development of tourism products as compared to their conservation, is an ongoing debate, which has been tackled by many tourism scholars. The management of natural and cultural environments is of utmost importance in the development of ecotourism in places such as the Town of St Lucia, as well as in the St Lucia Estuary. This research study, therefore, sought to assess on comparative basis the conservation and commercialisation [commodification] of tourism resources, paying particular attention to the application of coastal tourism development strategies. In other words, the research study involves identifying key management practices and strategies that would contribute to the conservation of tourism resources. In this regard the basic objectives of this study include the following: (a) To reveal the extent to which stakeholders understand the meaning and importance of tourism development in the Town of St Lucia. (b) To find out if the coastal tourism resources in the study area are adequately supplied. (c) To determine the level to which tourism management and development strategies are employed or utilised in the study area. (d) To find out which ecotourism policy approach the stakeholders favour for the study area, between conservation as compared to the commercialisation [commodification]. (e) To establish how stakeholders perceive the existence and application on tourism development policies in the study area. (f) To establish the extent to which the local community benefits from ecotourism related activities or practices. The government and municipal authorities believe that tourism could enhance the development of rural areas on an ecologically and economically viable basis and improve the quality of life of the local people. The study has several hypotheses in this regard, and has utilised the qualitative and quantitative approach in collecting, analysing and interpreting data. In fact, data was analysed through use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to establish frequency tables, bar graphs, and cross-tabulations in representing statistical data. The findings of the study included the following: (a) the stakeholders were found to have a good understanding of the meaning and importance of ecotourism development; (b) the supply of coastal tourism resources was found to be inadequate; (c) the tourism management and development strategies were not up to the required standard; (d) the stakeholders favoured the policy of conservation as compared to that of commercialisation or commodification; (e) the existence and application of tourism development policies were found to be inadequately implemented; (f) the ecotourism benefits for the local community were found to be available and adequate. Finally, the emerging conclusion of the study was that, notwithstanding that the stakeholders favoured the policy of conservation, they were of the view that ecotourism management and development strategies, as well as community beneficiation, were not up to the required and expected standard in the study area.