Acta turistica, Vol. 37 No. 1, 2025.
Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.22598/at/2025.37.1.69
DIVERGENT COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES OF TOURISM NEAR A PROTECTED AREA: A COMPARATIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Michael Chambwe
; North-West University, Mahikeng, South Africa
Abstract
This study compares the impacts of tourism and participation in tourism on neighbouring communities surrounding the same nature reserve. A community household survey was undertaken in three communities surrounding the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. The survey (n=326) assesses the perceived socio-economic impacts, barriers to participation, and involvement in tourism. The findings reveal significant disparities: Bonjaneni reports higher positive economic impacts but also greater negative effects, while Engodini faces the most barriers to participation. Overall, community involvement in tourism remains low, with structural obstacles such as limited access to capital, skills, and markets hindering equitable benefits. Grounded in the stakeholder theory, the study underscores the need for context-specific policies that address these inequalities and foster inclusive tourism development. This study contributes to the literature by challenging the notion of uniform impacts of tourism on neighbouring communities and advocates for equitable, tailored interventions.
Keywords
socioeconomic impacts; community participation; tourism development; protected areas; uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Hrčak ID:
333880
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2025.
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