The primary goal of the study was to identify key success factors for the management of
wedding tourism in South Africa. This goal was achieved by firstly conducting a literature
study to determine the key success factors of strategic management for special events as
stated in books, articles and other sources. Secondly, wedding tourism was analysed to
provide an overview of the wedding tourism industry and weddings as tourism products.
Thirdly, the results of the empirical research were discussed followed by the conclusions
and recommendations made with regard to further research.
From the literature study, aspects regarding strategic management were discussed
namely, the strategic management process, marketing for special events, human resource
management, financial management and operational management. These aspects were
included in the questionnaires for the empirical research. Two different questionnaires were
developed, one for wedding planners and one for owners/managers of wedding venues in
the Gauteng and North West provinces. The purpose of the questionnaires was to gather
information on the key success factors for wedding tourism and to gain insight of the
wedding tourism industry. Personal interviews were held with wedding planners and
owners1 managers of wedding venues; questionnaires were also distributed via email. All
the data was processed by the North-West University's Statistical Consultation Services. A
confirmatory factor analysis was done to produce a small amount of factors. The following
factors were identified: strategic planning; SWOT analysis, human resources, financial
management, market segmentation, promotion and operational management.
After analysing the data it was clear that operational services like ensuring high levels of
hygiene, having a liquor license, accessibility, secure parking and that services must meet
the needs of guests were considered extremely important aspects for a wedding venue.
The following aspects were considered extremely important by wedding planners: services
must meet the needs of guests, offer unique products and develop a checklist as control
mechanism.
Owners of wedding tourism products and wedding planners have to consider and apply the
key success factors in order to grow the industry and create sustainable products. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1135 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | De Witt, Leonie |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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