TRANSFORMATION OF THE TOURISM SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA: A POSSIBLE GROWTH STIMULANT?

The COVID-19 pandemic is a catalyst for new patterns of demand and supply for the tourism sector. One consequence is a renewed policy interest in the importance of niche tourism products for destination development. This paper investigates the importance of niche tourism and its (re-) emergence on the policy agenda of tourism stakeholders in South Africa. It is argued that with a resurgence of niche tourism as policy focus there is a need for an extended research agenda on niche tourism in South Africa. The analysis represents a contribution to the changing agendas of tourism scholarship in the global South which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Risk factors for failure in newly established small, micro and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector of Gauteng Province, South Africa

Risk Governance and Control Financial Markets & Institutions ◽

10.22495/rgcv5i4art1 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 8-18

Author(s):

Zeleke Worku

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

South African ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Tourism Industry ◽

The South ◽

Gauteng Province ◽

Entrepreneurial Skills ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

Networking Ability ◽

Tourism Enterprises

The annual report issued for the financial year 2013/2014 by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2015) shows that the business confidence index of South Africa was equal to 89.3% in January 2015. According to the South African National Department of Tourism (2015), the tourism sector contributed 93 Billion Rand (3%) to the South African GDP in the year 2012. The contribution of the tourism sector was equal to 189.4 Billion Rand in the year 2009. This figure is projected to grow to 499 Billion Rand by the year 2020. According to the South African Small Enterprise Development Agency (2015), newly established and emerging business enterprises conducting business in the tourism sector of Gauteng Province are less viable and efficient in comparison with well-established tourism enterprises. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify risk factors for underperformance and bankruptcy in the tourism sector of Gauteng Province in South Africa. The study was based on data collected from a stratified random sample of size 311 tourism enterprises that operate in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Data was collected on a large number of socio-economic factors that adversely affect entrepreneurial activities in the tourism sector of Gauteng Province. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analyses was used in the study. Examples of variables on which data was gathered was level of entrepreneurial skills, level of formal education, location of business, duration of experience, amount of capital, number of employees, ability to network with other tourist operators, degree of competition from rival operators, geographical location, category of business, category of entrepreneurial skills, average number of visitors per month, net profit, size of business, market share, access to finance, and degree of support from Government agencies. Results obtained from the study showed that the long-term survival and viability of African entrepreneurs in the tourism industry of Gauteng Province was significantly and adversely affected by the degree of competition from rival operators, poor networking ability, lack of entrepreneurial skills, low capital, and geographical location. The study found that African entrepreneurs in the tourism industry of Gauteng Province lagged behind their white counterparts significantly in terms of networking ability, capital and entrepreneurial skills. In addition, 82% of the 311 African entrepreneurs who participated in the study lacked suitable skills due to their poor and irrelevant academic and vocational background, and that 59% of entrepreneurs had received little or no assistance in terms of mentoring or training opportunities from South African Government agencies.

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An Assessment of the Impact of the Tourism Sector on Regional Economic Development in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Peripheral Territories, Tourism, and Regional Development ◽

10.5772/intechopen.95810 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel F. Meyer

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

South Africa ◽

Small Businesses ◽

Growth And Development ◽

Local Market ◽

Gauteng Province ◽

Economic Growth And Development ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

Effective Policy ◽

The Impact

South Africa is facing three main developmental problems, including high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The tourism sector allows for a relatively easy entry into the local market for small businesses and entrepreneurs and has the potential to create jobs and subsequently, income. Tourism development could be utilised as a driver for economic growth and development. The main objective of this research was to assess the impact of the tourism sector on economic growth and development in South Africa, focusing on the Gauteng Province which, is the economic hub of the country and even Africa. The methodology utilised was based on a quantitative design, using secondary time series pooled panel data approach including, all the municipal entities in the region. Annual data from 2000 to 2019 were used to analyse the impact of tourism on economic growth and development. Tourism variables include measurements such as tourism spending and international tourism trips. Results confirm the tourism-growth nexus and the sector allows ease of market entry for small businesses, resulting in employment creation and income for the poor in developing regions if promoted via effective policy implementation, even in regions where tourism is not the leading sector.

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TOURIST GUIDES, COVID 19 AND SURVIVAL MECHANISMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites ◽

10.30892/gtg.394spl17-790 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (4 supplement) ◽

pp. 1461-1472

Author(s):

Fisokuhle MBATHA ◽

◽

Vyasha HARILAL ◽

Tembi Maloney TICHAAWA ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Mixed Method Research ◽

Term Survival ◽

Savings And Loans ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

Recovery Trajectory ◽

Survival Mechanisms ◽

Tourist Guides

The main aim of this research was to investigate the survival mechanisms employed by tourist guides in the context of the Covid 19 Pandemic. A mixed method research design was adopted, using in-depth interviews with key tourism informants and surveys administered to tourist guides in Gauteng. A total of five key informant interviews and two hundred surveys were collected at the end of the data collection period. Key findings indicate that many tourist guides were unable to access the aforementioned fund and had to implement their own short and long-term survival mechanisms. In many cases, various cost cutting measures were implemented and the utilization of personal savings and loans. Other guides temporarily engaged in different employment to secure an income. This study presents policy and systemic recommendations, which, if accepted and implemented, could assist the reignition of the tourist guide profession post-pandemic and ensure they form part of the tourism sector recovery trajectory. Additionally, further research on tourist guides in South Africa needs to be conducted, to fully understand the various aspects of this profession in the country.

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Tourism and Natural Capital

Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Developing Nations - Advances in Hospitality, Tourism, and the Services Industry ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-5843-9.ch015 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 280-294 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Joël Houdet ◽

Michelle Browne ◽

Fonda Lewis

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Ecosystem Services ◽

Water Resources ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

South African ◽

Natural Capital ◽

Tourism Industry ◽

Drivers Of Change ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

Global And Local

There is growing concern that ongoing degradation of natural capital, due to various global and local drivers of change, will compromise the delivery of the ecosystem services on which the tourism industry relies. This chapter aims to explore the relationships between natural capital and tourism. The chapter first provides an introduction to the inter-dependencies between business and natural capital and presents an overview of the tourism sector in South Africa. The focus then shifts to conceptualizing the links between tourism and natural capital, focusing on inland freshwater systems. A conceptual framework of the interactions between natural capital and the tourism sector is presented and key links between hydrologic ecosystem services and the tourism sector are described. In the final section, the risks of increasingly stressed water resources on tourism and the South African economy are explored.

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Reimagining Tourism: COVID-19 and the Potential of Virtual Tourism in South Africa

African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure ◽

10.46222/ajhtl.19770720.176 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10(4) (10(4)) ◽

pp. 1516-1532

Author(s):

Refiloe Julia Julia ◽

Vyasha Harilal ◽

Azi Feni

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Online Surveys ◽

Virtual Tourism ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

The World ◽

Domestic Tourism ◽

Initial Inability ◽

Decision Making Processes ◽

Tourism Attractions

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in massive degrowth of tourism economies, undoing years of progress in destinations around the world. The initial inability of tourists to travel and subsequent fall out from border closures, vaccination hurdles, the changing needs of tourists to travel targeted the very core of tourism. Despite the tourism sector being renowned for its resilience in relation to previous crises, the prolonged and unprecedented nature of this crisis has tested the most resilient of sectors. As part of South Africa’s tourism sector recovery plan, the domestic tourism sub-sector of the industry has been prioritised. However, even before the pandemic induced crisis, the performance of the domestic tourism sector called for attention. Thus, although disruptive, this crisis provides an opportunity for innovation within the sector. While innovations of virtual tourism could be suitable, an investigation into the willingness of tourists to engage in virtual tourism needs to be undertaken. The current paper seeks to address this gap. A quantitative research design was employed, with a total of 110 online surveys being completed by domestic tourists in South Africa. Key finds reveal that virtual tourism could assist in the promotion of a destination, particularly in the decision making processes of potential tourists, which had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that virtual tourism could increase the exposure and accessibility of tourism attractions in South Africa. Moreover, the results of the study reveal that while virtual tourism could enhance the tourist experience at the destination, it cannot replace traditional tourism. Recommendations emanating from this study relate to the inclusion of virtual tourism components as add ons to tourism attractions.

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Business Support for Emerging Entrepreneurs in Eco-tourism: North West, South Africa

Journal of Social Transformation and Regional Development ◽

10.30880/jstard.2021.03.01.003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 03 (01) ◽

Author(s):

Alpheaus Litheko ◽

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Job Creation ◽

Community Empowerment ◽

Severe Problem ◽

North West ◽

Economic Opportunities ◽

The North ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

Business Support ◽

North West Province

This paper is based on the business support needed by emerging entrepreneurs to enter and participate in eco-tourism sector. Entrepreneurs play an important role in an economy as they can be key drivers of economic growth, innovation and job creation. Eco-tourism has been positively linked to job creation, entrepreneurship development and poverty alleviation. The aspect of ecotourism is closely linked with the idea of community empowerment. Against this background government is aiming to put policies, strategies and programs in place which aim to create an enabling environment for emerging entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, many emerging entrepreneurs’ business fail before reaching maturity, mainly due to inadequate business skills to establish and grow their enterprises, perpetuated by insignificant business support from government. South Africa has high levels of unemployment and severe problem of youth unemployment. This implies that the country needs to develop a policy framework that will comprehensively address issues of unemployment through a creation of economic opportunities. Entrepreneurship is one of the options that can reduce the unemployment rate and the social problems that are associated with unemployment. The objectives of this paper is to examine the business support needed by emerging entrepreneurs to facilitate their entry and participation in eco-tourism sector. Furthermore, to determine emerging entrepreneurs’ desire to participate in the sector in the North West province, South Africa. A combination of non-probability quota and convenience sampling were used, by surveying 160 respondents in the North West province, South Africa. The data extracted was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results suggest that most respondents never received business support from government intervention programs, and had somewhat low levels of information concerning the economic opportunities associated with the eco-tourism sector.

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The Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Business Events Sub-sector in South Africa: Mitigation Strategies and Innovations

African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure ◽

10.46222/ajhtl.19770720-89 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10(1) (10(1)) ◽

pp. 102-114

Author(s):

Hugh Bartis ◽

Bjorn Hufkie ◽

Morongwa Moraladi

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

At Risk ◽

Economic Impact ◽

Qualitative Approach ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

Business Opportunities ◽

Business Events ◽

The Many ◽

Virtual Events

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown regulations, which came into being in South Africa on 26 March 2020, has had a major impact on the country’s economy and specifically tourism. All sub-sectors of the tourism sector has been adversely affected, with many business events either cancelled or postponed to a later date post the lockdown period. The study aims to examine the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business events sub-sector in South Africa. Furthermore, the study explores how the business events sub-sector responded to the many challenges associated with the pandemic and offers critical insights into how the business events sub-sector mitigated some of the challenges. The study followed a qualitative approach with purposive sampling being adopted, targeting representatives of the business events associations. The study revealed that the lockdown’s economic impact resulted in lost income for organisations due to postponed or cancelled events. The lack of income also placed numerous jobs at risk. However, the business events sub-sector also introduced innovative measures allowing them to pursue some business opportunities, such as virtual events, hybrid events and the upskilling of staff.

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The application of the theory of Visitor Attractions and its impact on the competitive advantage of the Tourism Sector in Durban, South Africa

Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies ◽

10.22610/jebs.v5i8.428 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 5 (8) ◽

pp. 546-552

Author(s):

R Balkaran S.

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Tourism Sector ◽

The Social ◽

Gaming Culture ◽

Competitive Model ◽

Political Economic ◽

The Relationship ◽

The City ◽

Further Development ◽

Visitor Attractions

Visitor attractions become the nexus in the relationship between the Tourism sector and the city of Durban as a competitive destination and are arguably the most significant component within the tourism system. To become competitive within the attraction sector there is a need to have a combination of attractions, like sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, gaming, culture and recreation and these plays an important role in determining the competitiveness of a destination. The increase in tourist activity creates an environment where all stakeholders within the tourism system have an opportunity to exercise their function in the most appropriate way. This however does not occur without challenges and clearly, from general observations, the Tourism sector is faced with several challenges in Durban such as the lack of synergy between the stakeholders within the tourism system; standards and quality between various groups differ which impact on service delivery, price structure and foreign expectations; sustaining a high cost capital and labour intensive industry throughout the year; domestic tourists having to compete with currency fluctuations; and the social, political, economic and technological challenges. The development of a competitive model would contribute to tourism sustainability, which is vital for the economy, growth and further development of the Tourism sector in Durban, South Africa.

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