Research Publications (Management Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217
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Item Assessing successful land claims and the efficacy of co-management in protected areas(International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), 2020-12-24) Qwatekana, Zikho; Sibiya, Nozipho PrudenceThe aim of this paper is to assess successful land claims as well as the efficacy of co-management in striking a balance between community land rights with the goals of conservation for tourism. The study adopted a qualitative approach, using a case of a successful land claim in the Tala Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Province. A purposive sample was selected from the claimant community and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The findings reflect that co-management may be a logical approach to involving local communities in the management of protected areas. However, as a model used to address land claims by reconciling the necessity of conservation for tourism purposes with land rights, its efficacy remains in doubt. This study thus concludes that unless there is a reassessment of the co-management model and the role of the government in providing post settlement support, the rights of successful claimants will not be realised. It is essential that the government recognizes that sufficient time, support, and resources are fundamental to the success of co-management projects.Item Vandalism of monuments and neglect : a concern for heritage tourism(SERSC, 2021-12-14) Qwatekana, Zikho; Ndlovu, Thulile Promise; Zondi, Nkululeko Ephraim; Luthuli, Mthokozisi SydneyThe occurrence of vandalism in structures of historical and cultural value has been largely observed in urban environments. The destruction to these structures ultimately imposes challenges to historical and cultural tourism in particular. Local municipalities in urban cities are tasked with a responsibility of maintaining local infrastructure and essential services to support tourism activity. However, amongst the biggest constraints for local governments to meet these objectives is limited budgets, therefore leaving the cities with unpleasant aesthetics. This study determines the extent and forms of vandalism that exists in the city of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and its implications to heritage tourism. The city is governed within the jurisdiction of Msunduzi Municipality housing many of South Africa’s heritage monuments that are integral to the city’s history, culture and multiplicity of tourism offerings. A review of online sources as well as visual and photographic methods were applied for data collection. The analysis revealed various forms of vandalism mainly concentrated in the central business district (CBD). These results suggest that residents are oblivious to the intrinsic and monetary value of historic monuments. The disjuncture between residents and monuments may be attributed to South Africa’s harrowing history of oppression as well as the lack of connection and sentimental value. On this basis, it is recommended that Msunduzi Municipality in collaboration with heritage agencies creates postcolonial monuments that are inclusive and transformational. In addition, it is suggested that aggressive educational initiatives are introduced on existing monuments.Item Graduate employment in tourism and hospitality : attributes and challenges(2021-09-29) Stemele, Lukhanyo; Sucheran, ReshmaThe tourism sector is often promoted as a significant employment generator. However, critical questions are frequently posed in terms of the nature of tourism employment and the numerous challenges faced by employees in this sector. Despite many employment opportunities being occupied by graduates, the sector is known to have limited potential for employment growth and progression. It is also evident that tourism and hospitality graduates tend to have an inaccurate understanding and unrealistic employment expectations of the sector. This study therefore examines the employment traits and challenges of tourism and hospitality graduate employees. A quantitative research design was utilised for the study, and a structured online questionnaire was used to collect empirical data from 133 tourism and hospitality graduates. The graduates were selected from a University of Technology using a stratified random sampling technique. SPSS was used to analyse primary data and generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The key findings of the study revealed that most respondents were currently employed in the tourism and hospitality industry on a full-time basis, many of whom found employment immediately and easily after the completion of their studies. Compared to the tourism and hospitality sector, graduate employees earned higher incomes in other employment sectors. Moreover, it was evident that graduates employed in the tourism and hospitality sector were faced with far more challenges than those that were employed in other industry sectorsItem Interconnectedness of road infrastructure and tourism development : perspectives from residents and enterprises(Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry (TOJQI), 2021-07-01) Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney; Ndlovu, Thulile Promise; Qwatekana, Zikho; Zondi, Nkululeko EphraimThis article notes significant views articulated by several social scientists regarding the importance of road infrastructure to tourism growth and development. Tourism is undoubtably one of the key economic sectors in Msunduzi Municipality. However, the potential for this sector to thrive and yield benefits for local tourism businesses is hindered by poor road infrastructure. Thus, resulting in limited access to tourism attractions and the city’s aesthetic appeal. The study aimed to examine the extent to which poor road infrastructure affects accessibility, and aesthetics of Msunduzi Municipality as a tourism destination. A qualitative research approach was adopted in conjunction with the development theory which was guided by two models, namely the Critics of the modernisation and structural adjustment. Data was collected using primary and secondary sources, including newspaper articles, social media platforms and imaged-based analysis. The findings revealed that residents and businesses are inconvenienced by roads that are riddled with potholes and the slow pace of maintenance. Similarly, the service delivery is mounted with client dissatisfaction that emanate from the municipality’s lack of response and action in repairing roads. The study concludes with recommendations on how the service delivery value chain can be implemented within the municipality to accelerate service delivery and maximize its economic potential.Item Community-based tourism development : a Hiking Trails perspective(AJHTL, 2017) Mnguni, Mzobanzi Erasmus; Giampiccoli, AndreaCommunity-based tourism (CBT) is an alternative form of tourism development that aims to contribute to holistic development of disadvantaged community members. The relevance of CBT is growing and while CBT development may have many opportunities, it also boast various and relevant challenges. Thus, specific CBT development models are required to enhance CBT chances of success. Hiking trails are seen as a possible option to local development specifically, but not exclusively, to rural areas. In addition heritage tourism is also seen as a relevant tourism sector. In this context, this paper proposes a specific model for CBT link to hiking trails development as trails mostly based on the local cultural and natural assets. The paper that is based on desk research intends to contribute to the tourism literature in relation to community development by specifically proposing a model of CBT hiking trails development. After an introductory section, the paper will explore matters related to CBT and trails development leading to a proposed CBT hiking trail development model. Thereafter, an initial suggestion about a possible CBT hiking trails system in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa is briefly outlined. A conclusion will terminate the paper.Item Community-based tourism and food : towards a relationship framework(AJHTL, 2016) Mnguni, Mzobanzi Erasmus; Giampiccoli, AndreaTourism is currently a growing sector of the economy and its possible relevance in community development is acknowledged. Within tourism CBT has been advanced to counteract negative effects of mass tourism and as a strategy to facilitate disadvantaged community development. Food tourism is also on a growing trend. Literature related to food and catering in CBT is present however, a general framework of relationships between CBT development and food seems absent. Based on the relevance of these tourism forms this article, which is based on extant literature, aims to propose a relationship framework between CBT and food. The article advances that it is important to understand the various aspects of the relationship between CBT and food to enhance the chance of growing (scaling-up) CBT entities through the combined community-based food tourism (CBFT). Thus various issues relevant to this framework are mentioned such as matters related to food as a tourist attraction, to food production and selling, to food standards in CBT. Whilst not pretending to be fully comprehensive, the article advances the need to comprehend food in CBT from various angles.Item Local natural and cultural heritage assets and community based tourism: Challenges and opportunities(AJOL, 2016-03) Jugmohan, Sean; Spencer, J.P.; Steyn, J. N.Community based tourism (CBT) is seen as an opportunity which mass tourism does not offer for, especially, rural communities to develop their natural and cultural assets into tourism activities for the benefit of the community. The point of CBT is that the community, collectively and individually, gains a livelihood from home-stay activities, tourist guiding, producing crafts from the local environment, offering traditional food and drinks, and generally organising, exploiting and maintaining the natural and cultural environment. Community tourism development includes all the functions of planning, development, marketing and management of the natural and cultural heritage, and requires community decision-making. However, the communities under review face critical challenges which need to be converted into opportunities, including own-control of facilities, security of natural and cultural resources, infrastructure, carrying-capacity of the environment, regulatory frameworks, and skills development. The research took the form of case studies at local villages, of which Noqhekwane is the subject of this article. The study revealed that sufficient natural and cultural attractions exist in Noqhekwane, but that the threats identified to both cultural and physical environments are serious.Item Township Tourism : The politics and socio-economic dynamics of tourism in the South African township : Umlazi, Durban(International Foundation for Research and Development (IFRD), 2015-08) Chili, Nsizwazikhona SimonThe paper analyses how tourism development at Umlazi which is one of the second biggest Townships in the Southern hemisphere has been hampered by politics and socio economic dynamics that stifle the empowerment of both tourism entrepreneurs and local communities respectively. The impacts of tourism have been given much attention by scholars to examine the perceptions and attitudes of local residents towards Township tourism in South Africa. However, there is little research that focuses on how much political and economic dynamics of the past and present dispensations have adversely impacted on the tourism economic development of small emerging entrepreneurs and local residents of the Townships. This study attempts to make a little contribution to South African Township tourism by examining political and economic dimensions that hinder small businesses and local residents of uMlazi to thrive and get empowered through tourism. Township tourism in South Africa has slightly improved and grown in popularity since 1994 and is considered by the government and other social agents to be an appropriate opportunity for small businesses and the stimulation of local economic development. However, the paper argues that tourism fails to act as a panacea of economic development in the township of Umlazi, since there is lack of business opportunities, intervention and support of local government, private sector and racial groups that are endowed with more than enough financial resources. Data were collected by means of interviews that allowed the interviewer to pose some open-ended questions so that the interviewee could express his or her own opinion freely for the extraction of more information. Based on 30 respondents surveyed, the findings show that there are numerous obstacles that are directly linked to political and economic dynamics. These obstacles include lack of political intervention and financial support for tourism entrepreneurs and local residents of UMlazi Township. On the whole respondents viewed Township tourism negatively. They were generally of the idea that township tourism can only be of benefit to residents once it is often visited by racial groups who are better off financially after their fears about safety and security have been allayed.Item A pre-condition evaluation and management model for community-based tourism(AJOL, 2015-09) Jugmohan, Sean; Steyn, J. N.Tourism is often regarded as a vehicle for the economic development of disadvantaged rural communities. Although the concept is good in principle, the successful implementation of community-based tourism projects has proved to be problematic. This article focuses on the preconditions required for the successful implementation of community based tourism development projects. A list of pre-conditions extracted from a literature study (the research design) is compiled and subsequently field-tested on existing CBT projects in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A CBT pre-conditions model is subsequently proposed and an implementation strategy suggested.Item Community-based tourism affinity index: a visitor’s approach(AJHTL, 2015) Giampiccoli, Andrea; Jugmohan, Sean; Mtapuri, OliverCommunity-based tourism (CBT) is a model of community development which places the community at the centre of that development. It attempts to harness the effort of communities through their empowerment for the benefit of the community. This article develops a Community-based Visitors Affinity Index (CBTVAI) based on perusal of extant literature in which only secondary was used in terms of research methodology. The key contribution of this article is the development of a CBTVAI which is an instrument useful to owners/managers of CBT entities in evaluating their CBT businesses from a visitor perspective. The index does not include all possible items because CBT ventures exist in different contexts with different requirements. This index merely provides sample items related various basic aspects linkedto the attractiveness of CBT to visitors. As such, the index represents a flexible framework which can continuously evolve and be reformulated based on specific needs of a CBT entity. The CBTVAI has some strengths and weaknesses. Some of its strengths include the provision a visitor perspective grounded in real life experience; a framework for profiling CBT ventures; a platform for receiving visitor feedback in the form of immediate ‘post-trip’ feedback; and a tool for assessing broad visitor/customer (dis)satisfaction with CBT offerings. The weaknesses include: failing to take into account the visitor’s demographics and psychographics; ignores prices per item; places an extra burden on communities to undertake technical data analysis which skills could be deficient in communities.