Visitor's perceptions on sustainable tourism practices at Groenkloof nature reserve.
Tauoatsoala, Pascal
Tauoatsoala, Pascal
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Abstract
Among many other objectives of visitor management, particularly in tourism, one of the most important is to manage visitors in such a way that they achieve a
quality experience in an environmentally sustainable manner (Van der Donk, 2000:13). This process, Kuo (2002:87) argues, includes the development and
implementation of rules and regulations meant specifically for monitoring visitor activity where at the same time it is aimed at providing guidelines for visitors. This
study was aimed at analysing the perceptions of visitors to Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR) with regard to sustainable business practices at the reserve. The
study basically utilized three major methods of data gathering (viz. behavioural observation, interviews and questionnaires) to obtain all information required for
such analysis. In doing so, the researcher visited the reserve on three main occasions. On the first, a preliminary assessment and observation aimed at understanding GNR and
the surrounding area was undertaken. During the second visit, an assessment was done of the surrounding environment of the reserve, facilities and how management maintains them. On the last visit, data was collected by distributing questionnaires to visitors, and at the same time interviews were conducted with certain senior management personnel of the reserve. This data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-Version 22), as well as the Stata V12 software. The study revealed that the major concern for visitors to
the reserve is to protect the physical environment, and both plant and animal species within the reserve. In order to address this and other similar matters, management of Groenkloof Nature Reserve (GNR) will need to identify, apply and implement the most effective and appropriate sustainable business practices at the reserve. Findings and the recommendations of this study should not only be used by management of this reserve, but also by both practitioners and researchers to appreciate the value of and contributions usually made by visitors.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree, Magister Technologiae: Tourism and Hospitality Management
in the Department of Tourism Management, Faculty of Management Sciences at the Tshwane University of Technology
Date
2015-06-01
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
Visitor management, Visitor activity, Groenkloof nature reserve, Tourism planning, Responsible tourism