The primary objective of this study was to determine the socio-economic impact of the
Tsitsikamma National Park. Secondly, to determine the relationship between the
community's level of interest in the Tsitsikamma National Park (TNP) and their perceptions
concerning the environmental, economic and social impacts of the TNP.
By conducting a literature study, the first objective was achieved. The following tourism
impacts were identified: environmental, economic and social. These impacts, both positive
and negative, were measured by means of a questionnaire. The goal of the questionnaire
was to measure the communities' perceptions concerning the Tsitsikamma National Park
and its impact on the local economy. Based on this, the aspects that needed clarity were the
economic (monetary) value of the TNP in terms of tourists and park management spending
as well as the size of the multiplier effect. Furthermore, the residents' perceptions regarding
the TNP were identified as well as the benefits received from the TNP.
Three surveys were conducted to achieve the goal of this study: a community survey
(among the local residents of Nature's Valley and Storms River Village) to measure the
tourism impacts; a business survey (including penrnanent local businesses in and around the
TNP), and a visitor survey (tourists visiting the TNP) to measure the economic impacts as a
result of the TNP. A total of 299 questionnaires were completed of which 132 represented
the community survey, 11 the business survey and 156 the visitors' survey.
Firstly, partial multipliers were derived through a process of iteration to determine the
economic impact of the Tsitsikamma National Park. The total impact of the Tsitsikamma
National Park on the local economy resulted in total spending being R45 359 784, an output
effect of R50 002793, and finally an income effect of R21 723 510. Therefore, it was found
that the TNP has a positive economic impact.
Secondly, effect sizes were calculated, which involved the difference in means to determine
the relationships between tourism impacts and product interest from the communities'
perspectives. It was found that residents who visit the TNP more often have a more positive attitude towards the Tt\IP, which is important for the sustainability of the TNP as well as
building positive relationships with the community. The positive impacts due to TNP that
were found can be divided into three categories. Firstly, environmental impacts included
improving the appearance of the area, conservation of natural resources, sustainability of the
natural environment, increased awareness of nature, improvement of knowledge and
preservation of water areas for recreation purposes. Secondly, positive economic impacts
included an increase in employment opportunities, more investors focused on development
in the surrounding areas, business development and tourism is promoted and money spent
by tourists stimulates the economy. Lastly the positive social impacts that were identified
included opportunities to relax and the park provides opportunities for people to have fun with their families and friends. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/4284 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Oberholzer, Susan |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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