Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / The concept and knowledge of slow tourism within the context of South Africa is limited. Very little local literature is available on this new, emerging niche form of tourism. International research on this topic, including the practise, development, implementation and promotion of slow tourism, has grown during the last decade. This study investigates the meaning, understanding and definition of slow travel and tourism, and how slow tourism differs from other alternative tourism types. International and local case studies where slow tourism was implemented successfully, were assessed. Slow tourism is considered an antithesis to mass tourism. Tourism role-players and visitor groups have become more environmentally conscious in how they develop, promote and consume tourism products. Sustainable and responsible tourism practices are the forefront of the slow tourism phenomenon which induces the demand and the supply chain of tourism products emphasised by ethical values. Slow tourism focuses on the concept of time spent at the destination, liberating the visitor from the angst and stress brought about by today's fast-paced lifestyles. Attention is directed at the visitor experiencing a qualitative more than a quantitative experience, found in a unique nature-based setting with the after-effects of feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Slow tourism is centred on building good relationships with the local community, preservation of and an appreciation for the environment, and the production and consumption of local and responsibly-sourced products. Within this context, this study aims at developing a slow tourism model for South Africa, using the economic resources of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (KNBG). It investigates the literature of slow tourism at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) protected sites, parks and at KNBG. Botanical gardens are considered a place of recreation and leisure, taking time out to relax and enjoy the open green spaces. Moreover, the dissertation points out the elements that are required to develop slow tourism at a destination and the role of tourism policies which set the framework for managing and growing tourism sustainably. A qualitative research methodology was employed to collect the primary data, using the grounded theory approach at KNBG, which was the study site. Qualitative data were obtained through observing visitors, in-depth interviews with visitors and KNBG management. The results and findings from the analysis indicate a shift towards people slowing down, the need to connect with nature to feel less stressed and finding value in slow tourism activities such as those found at KNBG. A slow tourism model was developed based on the literature review and findings of the primary data that was collected. / South African National Biodiversity Institute

Thesis (MTech (Tourism))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / This dissertation deals with an audit of community tourism projects that were invested in, in the Eastern Cape as part of government intervention to create job opportunities and contribute to the growth of the Eastern Cape economy through the tourism industry. The focus is on projects that received capital allocations for infrastructural development rather than operational costs. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: • Determine the status quo of publicly funded capital tourism projects developed since 2004. • Determine the modus operandi followed with regard to capital tourism projects. • Determine the reasons for the successes or failures of these projects. • Provide recommendations to address gaps and failures in tourism projects. The key informants to the study were steering committees that were established to implement community tourism projects. The steering committees are represented by government officials (local, provincial and national), consultants and community trusts or any community structure that represents the broader community. The study revealed three types of community projects, namely: • Projects that are operational – although there are projects operating, the number is insignificant and it is unlikely that they would achieve the objectives that they were built for. The overall operational status does not warrant the R500m that was invested by government. • Projects that operated before but closed hence, referred to as ‘white elephants’ – there are a number of projects that were in business but currently closed due to poor management and lack of skills. • Projects that were under planning during the survey – these are projects that have been under planning for a very long time.

M.A. (Tourism & Hospitality Management) / Urban tourism is a growing sector of the tourism market therefore many large cities in developed and developing countries have adopted tourism-led approaches to urban regeneration. Urban tourism now forms part of the South African local and regional economic development strategies of all major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and Bloemfontein. Cultural tourism in turn is perceived as the fastest growing type of tourism in the world, and can function as a powerful tool in urban regeneration and transformation. Urban regeneration has the potential to produce economic benefits, improve physical environment, inner-city image and the welfare of city residents. The focus of the study was to explore the role of Newtown Cultural Precinct as a tool for urban regeneration, local economic growth and increasing tourist flows to the Johannesburg inner-city. Data was collected using mix-methods designs. In the first phase qualitative data was collected from various stakeholders involved in the development and management Newtown Cultural Precinct, and in the second phase quantitative data was collected from both domestic and international tourists visiting the cultural precinct. The result of the study reveals that Newtown Cultural Precinct serves as a ‘catalyst’ for urban regeneration and shows great potential in stimulating local economic growth and attracting a greater number of visitors into the Johannesburg inner city. Newtown Cultural Precinct has achieved, so far, some of the benefits of urban regeneration such as turning Newtown into a safe, secure, vibrant and friendly environment, improving social dimension of city residents, creating easy access into Newtown as well as positive perceptions of the image of Johannesburg inner-city.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2006 / Since the earliest days, people have travelled. Not only was it time consuming, limited and only for the rich, but it was not necessarily a pleasure. Since those early days, travel and tourism has developed to such an extent that it has become one of the major industries in the world, providing the tourist with amongst others technologically advanced air transportation, luxury resorts and a variety of experiences and attractions at many different destinations. The major developments in air transportation have opened up many opportunities, but it has also placed most destinations within easy reach of the tourist, as most destinations have become more accessible. This automatically led to increased competitiveness between different destinations, both locally and internationally. Competitiveness of the destination may be based on a variety of contributing factors such as its scenic beauty, the variety of attractions offered, natural resources, the accessibility, the host population, availability and quality of infrastructure, diseases, flight availability and frequency, seasons and many other factors. However, a destination will never become the most popular or most visited one if the tourist cannot afford to visit it. Price undoubtedly plays a very important role in the decision-making process of the tourist when choosing a destination. The prices at any destination are influenced by a variety of internal and external factors which, in the end, has a direct influence of the actual travel cost of the tourist. This study focuses on South Africa’s price competitiveness as an international destination. The major travel components or products that an international tourist will spend money on during his/her visit to South Africa are international flights, accommodation, attractions and food and beverages. The prices of these components were compared to similar products of Thailand and Australia, which have previously been identified by SA Tourism as South Africa’s major competitors. The focus of the research is therefore on the expenditure patterns, price perceptions and the tourists’ perception of whether or not they perceived South Africa’s tourism products to be affordable, to offer value for money or not. Perceptions of departing international tourists who have already used these products were tested. Once established, an international travel price index and a hotel price index were formulated for South Africa, which may be used to monitor international tourist expenses. These indices may also be used as indicator of the affordability and price competitiveness of South Africa as a tourist destination. There is not one individual in South Africa that cannot, either by means of direct or indirect revenue, benefit from South Africa being a tourist destination of choice. The opportunities and possibilities created by foreign revenue spent are legio. Hence it comes as no surprise that tourism in South Africa has become the priority of many different role players such as government, commerce, product owners and private industries. As it is difficult for a destination to control the external environment, the destination’s focus should therefore rather be on the factors that it can control or influence to a certain extent. By ensuring that South Africa’s tourism products are competitively priced and offer value for money, one of the major factors that may hamper the growth of South Africa as a destination has been addressed. In economic challenging conditions, the tourist has become more value for money driven than before when choosing a destination. The focus of the research is therefore to establish if South Africa’s tourism product prices are regarded to provide value for money or not to international tourists. The research was divided into two parts: literature and empirical research. The population of this study was foreign tourists to South Africa that have completed their journey and who were questioned in the departure halls of Johannesburg’s Oliver Thambo and Cape Town International airports. An overview of the research results give a general indication that South African tourism products are more expensive than was anticipated by foreign tourists. Seventy five percent of respondents indicated that they paid more for accommodation, air transportation and attractions than they expected to pay. Of the different accommodation types used, the five star luxury hotel accommodations were found to be too expensive whilst other graded accommodation were perceived as being priced fairly, even cheaply. The paid attractions that the respondents visited were, with the exception of the Kruger National Park, all fairly priced. Cape Town was indicated as a city that was perceived to be more expensive that other cities visited by international tourists.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Tourism and Hospitality Management)-Durban University of Technology, 2007 xi, 130 leaves / Tourism is one of the world's major industries and is increasing in importance as a source of substantial employment and of great economical and social benefit to many regions around the world. China has the world’s largest population and it has been predicted that China will become one of the world’s major sources of international travellers in the 21st century. Although the outbound travel industry in China has only been developing in recent years, there has been an increasing number of outbound Chinese going all over the world. South Africa is one of the countries that are beginning to be penetrated by the emerging Chinese outbound traveller market. The purpose of this study is to examine the South Africa inbound tourism industry’s readiness for the increasing Chinese tourist market to South Africa and also to examine South Africa as a secondary international destination for the Chinese traveller. The study also aims to explore the Chinese travellers’ interests and major concerns when travelling to South Africa and the expectations of the inbound tour operators in Shanghai. A purposive sample of 118 respondents from Shanghai’s tourism industry participated in the study.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree: Master of Management Sciences: Marketing, Department of Marketing and Retail Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Social media is increasingly playing an important role in promoting tourism. The SAT Strategy (2013: 12) suggests that the opportunities in the tourism industry are so numerous but are not yet fully exploited where more marketing is needed to create more awareness. Leung, Law, Hoof, and Huhalis (2013: 5) add that travellers have widely adopted social media in order to search for information, organise, share and annotate their experiences and stories through micro blogs and blogs, online communities, media sharing sites, and other tools collaboratively. Tourism marketers are also considerably using social media to engage with actual and potential tourists throughout the decision making journey (Hudson and Thal 2013: 157). According to Hanekom (2015: 1) tourism is regarded as a critical component on the National Development Plan of South Africa because of its capacity to spur growth across the wider economy and create jobs. There is a need for ongoing efforts to promote the tourism industry for it to remain competitive and continue contributing to the welfare of the people. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of social media in promoting tourism business activities in Durban, South Africa. The primary objective of the research is to examine the value of social media in promoting tourism in Durban. Durban is regarded as the leading tourism destination in South Africa and is globally marketed by an official marketing unit known as Durban Tourism-a part of the eThekwini Municipality (Durban Tourism 2012.4). The study followed a quantitative research method in order to attain the set objectives of the study. Non-probability sampling technique was employed in recruiting the participants. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to generate the sample population in this study. The target population for the study were all the tourists that visited the Durban tourist destinations. The researcher managed to secure a 90% response rate as 272 questionnaires out of 300 were collected. A structured self-administered questionnaire with 42 questions was used in the survey that was conducted to obtain primary data. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 23.0 was used to analyse the data. The results suggest that social media is of strategic importance in promoting tourism in Durban. Theorists in the literature review highlight that the influence of social media is more pervasive and compelling than conventional mass media because of its ability to influence a larger number of people, the ability to deliver rich information, and the minimal effort required from individuals to make influence attempts (Guo (2014: 3). The majority of tourists indicated that they are active on social media platforms of which, WhatsApp and Facebook had the highest numbers of users. The study also revealed that social media is not an optional extra in the tourism industry and suggests that, tourism companies, like any other company, must participate on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other social media sites in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive business environment (Kaplan and Haenlein 2010:62). The study recommended that tourism authorities must encourage South Africans to visit their own country, adopt and integrate new social media applications, use social media to create awareness of the positive transformations that have taken place in the city, and offer more secure online holiday-purchase provisions. The study recommends further research to be undertaken on the influence of specific social media sites to allow more understanding and use of appropriate social media platforms by marketing practitioners. / M

Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The focus of this thesis is the Wellington Wine District as a developing South African wine tourism destination. It is a newly designated wine district (March 2012) and an exploratory research study was undertaken to determine what the Brand ‘DNA’ of the Wellington Wine District is and then to propose appropriate marketing strategies for the developing wine tourism destination. The research process focussed on two types of wine tourism behaviour, namely festival-goers at the Wellington Wine Harvest Festival and the visitors to selected Wellington Wine Route members’ cellar doors. Surveys were executed by means of interviews and self-administration of structured questionnaires. Results were analysed in terms of two categories: first time visitors (FTV) and repeat visitors (RV). The findings revealed that at the Wellington Wine Harvest Festival visitors came in groups of 2 to 4, they heard about the festival from friends, the RV were high (93%), the visitors brought their young children along and the main reason for attending the festival was because both FTV and RV enjoy drinking wine. The findings of the cellar door survey showed that a high percentage (93%) of visitors were repeat visitors; that most visitors live within a radius of 100km of the wine district; that visitors are younger people without children; and that word-of-mouth references and ‘enjoy a tasting experience’ were the main reasons to visit the cellar door. These visitors overall have a good (self-assigned) wine knowledge. The proposed marketing strategies are based on the 7 Brand ‘DNA’ elements which could be determined from the results: 1. Scenery that includes the nature (fynbos), the mountains and the beautiful vineyards. 2. The Wellington Wine District is seen as rural and off the beaten track. 3. The environment is untouched and unspoiled. 4. Wellington inhabitants are welcoming, friendly, decent and warm. 5. Wine quality is good, wine is affordable and there is a wide variety available. 6. Red wine is seen as excellent wine with great quality. 7. All year round, the weather in Wellington is acceptable. Marketing strategy proposals take into account the obvious importance of the winescape and its preservation, the age group of visitors as the target market, the different consumer needs in terms of a festival and cellar door visitation, as well as the fact that friends and family and word-of-mouth are the primary sources of information. This study contributes to the knowledge pool of information on wine tourist behaviour in South Africa. It has broadened the field of information on the wine marketing strategies that a developing wine district can implement based on the destination Brand ‘DNA’. The research findings are limited in that the study was exploratory in nature and undertaken in the low season. It is recommended that the research study be repeated in the future as the wine district grows as a destination. Greater understanding of the specific leisure needs and expectations of the visitors is required. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die fokus van hierdie tesis is die ontwikkeling van die Wellington Wyndistrik as ʼn wyntoerisme bestemmingspunt in Suid-Afrika. Dit is ʼn nuut aangewysde wyndistrik (Maart 2012). Daar is ʼn ondersoekende navorsings studie geloots om vas te stel wat is die kenmerk ‘DNA’ van die Wellington Wyndistrik is en dan ʼn toepaslike bemarkingstrategie voor te stel vir hierdie ontwikkelende wyntoerisme bestemming. Die navorsingproses fokus op twee tipes gedrags patrone van die wyntoeriste, naamlik feesgangers by die ‘Wellington Wine Harvest Festival’ en die besoekers by die proelokale van geselekteerde wynkelders vir die studie op die Wellington Wynroete. Navorsing is uitgevoer in die vorm van onderhoude en die invul van gestruktureerde vraelyste. Die resultate is geanaliseer in die volgende twee kategorieë: eerstekeer besoeker (FTV – First Time Visitor) en herhaalde besoeker (RV – Repeat Visitor). Die resultate het getoon dat by die ‘Wellington Wine Harvest Festival’, besoekers die fees bygewoon het in groepe van 2 tot 4 mense, hulle het van die fees gehoor by vriende, die ‘RV’ syfer was hoog (93%), die besoekers het hulle jong kinders saam gebring na die fees en die hoofrede vir die ‘FTV’ en ‘RV’ om die fees te besoek was dat hulle daarvan hou om wyn te drink. Die resultate van die opnames by die proelokale het getoon dat meeste besoekers (93%) herhalende besoekers was; dat meeste besoekers binne ʼn radius van 100km van die wyndistrik woon; dat besoekers jonger persone sonder kinders is; en dat die hoofredes vir hulle besoeke was as gevolge van mondelinge inligting en die genotvolle ervarings wat hulle beleef het. Besoekers glo oor die algemeen dat hulle oor ‘redelike goeie wyn kennis’ beskik. Die voorgestelde bemarkingstrategieë is gebaseer op die 7 kenmerke van die handelsmerk (‘DNA’) van die bestemming wat vasgestel kon word uit die resultate: 1. Uitsigte wat die natuur (fynbos), berge en mooi wingerde insluit. 2. Die Wellington Wyn Distrik word gesien as die platteland en weg van die hoofstroom. 3. Die omgewing is onaangeraak en onbedorwe. 4. Wellington se mense is verwelkomend, vriendelik, ordentlik en aangenaam. 5. Die kwaliteit van die wyn is goed, bekostigbaar en daar is ʼn groot verskeidenheid beskikbaar. 6. Die rooiwyn is van uitstekende gehalte. 7. Regdeur die jaar is die klimaat aangenaam in Wellington. Die bemarkingstrategie voorstel neem in ag die belangrikheid van die ‘winescape’ en die instandhouding daarvan, die teikenmark se ouderdomsgroepe, die verskillende kliente se behoeftes by feeste en die proelokale en die feit dat familie en vriende en mondelingse inligting die primêre bron van informasie is. Hierdie navorsingstudie dra by tot die kennis aangaande die gedrag van wyn toeriste in Suid-Afrika. Dit het die bron van informasie vergroot rakende die bemarkingstrategieë wat ʼn ontwikkelende wyndistrik kan implementeer, gebaseer op die bestemde kenmerke ‘DNA’. Die navorsings bevindinge is beperk omdat die studie ondersoekend was en buite seisoentyd plaasgevind het. Dit word aanbeveel dat die navorsingstudie herhaal word in die toekoms omrede hierdie wyndistrik nog ʼn groeiende industrie is. Daar word nog ʼn groter verstandhouding benodig van wat die besoekers se spesifiek behoeftes en verwagtinge is.

Cultural tourism is a vehicle for economic growth. Cultural representations are made in order to make the cultural tourism sector a more vibrant one. Given this argument, research in cultural tourism should take a critical stance in the analysis of cultural representations. An understanding of the meaning of culture is necessary to analyse the comparison of daily life with cultural representations. Observing the daily lives of host communities creates a conductive environment for realising and understanding the gaps between tourists experiences and the daily realities of the host communities. This research analysed how people represent their culture to tourists through the sale of crafts and dance performances. The research was carried out in Leboeng village, on the border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, near the small town of Ohrigstad.

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Technology: Entrepreneurship, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / This dissertation documents research that has been motivated by the growth in the bed and breakfast tourist accommodation sector as a result of the increasing number of visitors to and within South Africa and, particularly in the Durban region. In addition, the political and socio-economic transformation during the past decade has opened the way for entrepreneurs to develop alternative forms of tourist accommodation so that more people can benefit from tourism-generated income and contribute to the wealth of their communities. IV Urged on by large hotel companies and the government's aim to raise the quality standards of tourist facilities, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) launched a new and voluntary star grading system in November 2001. While this still competes with other grading and quality assurance schemes, bed and breakfast (B&B) establishment owner-managers are becoming more familiar with the benefits of star grading, a process that plays an important role in the marketing of their facilities. The purpose of this study was to theoretically and empirically explore and evaluate the way that grading assists entrepreneurs to perform the marketing function of B&B establishments. It examines the opinions and perceptions of owner-managers who are members of the local KwaZulu-Natal Bed and Breakfast Associations (KWABABA) as well as a number of tourism personalities who, inter alia, are professionally involved in promoting the quality standards of accommodation establishments. The conclusions that have been drawn from the literature review, interviews and questionnaire surveys demonstrate that the majority of B&B owner-managers are somewhat familiar with the star grading system, though only a few have been graded while some still have negative perceptions of the scheme. In order to promote a positive stance it has been recommended that KWABABA and other associations, with whom the B&B hosts network, should become more involved in sharing information, training and assisting B&B employers and employees so that these can become more professional in marketing their products and services to meet the expectations of corporate and leisure tourist. / M

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master Degree of Technelogy: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / The South African tourism industry is becoming an important service sector in this country, which is attracting increasing international tourists in recent years. China, as a fast developing country, will be exerting greater influence on the development of tourism worldwide over the next decade. In particular, the impact of rapid growth of China's outbound tourism market has been felt by South Africa. A feature that South Africa's tourism marketers need to understand is the different demographics of the Chinese population and their different perceptions on SouthAfrican tourism. The purpose of this study is to identify, analyze and evaluate factors that could impact positively and/or negatively on the image of South Africa as a tourist destination among prospective tourists from China. It examines the opinions and perceptions of Chinese tourists in Shanghai. The research evaluates the kinds of perceptions and attitudes held by Chinese tourists towards South African tourism. The study was conducted with the assistance of fieldworkers in Shanghai who helped the research complete all the interviews and questionnaires. Data was analysed through the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), and findings, conclusions, and recommendations are presented. The study provides the recommendations to South African tourism organizations to take into considerationthe seriousness of Chinese tourists' understanding and perceptions towards South Africa as an emerging tourism destination as results indicate that many Chinese tourists do not quite understand South Africa and lack proper knowledge and information. Findings indicated that, although many Chinese tourists do know about South Africa as a tourist destination, they do / M