Thesis (MTech. degree. Tourism and hospitality management) -- Tshwane University of Technology, 2013. / The purpose of this research was to analyse the community support for tourism in with specific reference to Ezulwini Valley. The research shows that, although some benefits have been identified, there remain many challenges in the Ezulwini Valley (EV). Since it is evident from various studies that community-based tourism brings more benefits for locals; more interaction is therefore needed between the locals and the government. Increased local involvement and participation will help to ensure that people are empowered and the conservation of natural resources takes place in Swaziland.
The South African Government specifically indicated by means of the White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism that responsible tourism should contribute to the sustainable development of Southern Africa. Economic, environmental and social guidelines should direct this type of tourism development and should encourage the involvement of the local communities through community-based tourism.
The purpose of this research was to investigate the development of rural tourism in the Ezulwini Valley, analysing the involvement of the community in rural tourism, as well as identify potential unexploited rural tourism opportunities in the EV.
The literature study revealed that the local community is not involved in making decisions concerning their environment and tourism development within their communities. The study also revealed a variety of possibilities that could contribute more to both entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for the local rural tourism communities in South Africa, and similarly for communities in Swaziland, such as the Ezulwini Valley.
The target population in the study comprised of 200 questionnaires, and of these 177 or 88.5% completed the questionnaires. To clarify uncertainties resulting from the questionnaires that were used in the survey, an interview was conducted by the researcher with one authoritative person. The interview was with the director of the Swaziland Environmental Authority SEA), Mr. S.S. Vilakati. The objective of the interview was to prepare the questionnaire.
The study includes a literature review related to community support for tourism in the Ezulwini Valley and a questionnaire. The questionnaire used includes open- and closed-ended questions. The target population is comprised by the residents of Ezulwini Valley. The majority of respondents agreed that they would support the community involvement (particularly by women) in decision-making. Respondents are also of the opinion that tourism is growing very fast in the Ezulwini Valley, in spite of certain inhibiting factors that require attention.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:tut/oai:encore.tut.ac.za:d1000174 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Dlamini, Xolile H. |
| Contributors | Supervisor: Dr: W Coetzee, Co-Supervisor: Mr P.S Khunou |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | |
| Rights | c2013. Tshwane University Of Technology |
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