Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world. Since the 1980s the role of tourism as a means of achieving the objectives of economic development has received prominence within the sustainable development paradigm. This dissertation examines the role of international tourism in achieving the objectives of economic development in terms of its impact on key social and economic variables, such as the balance of payments, inflation, employment and the social fabric of host communities. It also examines the constraints facing international tourism, such as the effect of perceptions on tourism flows and the powerful position of multinationals in influencing the tourist decision-making process. The success of the international tourism industry in selected countries is assessed and the relative position of the South African tourist offering is highlighted in an attempt to draw lessons for the future development of the industry in South Africa. / Economics / M. A. (Economics)

Studies have shown that world heritage sites are regarded as environmental education (EE) resources. However, environmental activities are not integrated with the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) because the heritage educator and guides are not trained in EE, the heritage educator do not liaise with the Department of Education (DoE) especially the curriculum implementation unit and World Heritage Youth Forum. The purpose of this study is to establish the role that world heritage sites can play to provide adequate access to appropriate EE resources since this is a problem that hampers successful implementation of EE. The study gathered data through observation, document analysis, interviews and questionnaire. The data analysis was based on an inductive process that builds concepts. The study recommends training of heritage educator and guide in EE, heritage educator to liaise with Department of Education especially the curriculum implementation unit and the World Heritage Youth Forum to ensure effective implementation of environmental activities at the site. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Environmental Education)