Perceived opportunities for local economic development through tourism in Port St Johns.
Ndolose, Ludwe
Ndolose, Ludwe
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate opportunities for local economic development (LED) in the town of Port St Johns (PSJ), using tourism as a conduit. PSJ is situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River along the Wild Coast region in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. With a population of 6500 inhabitants, the community of PSJ has few economic opportunities and a very high unemployment rate at 32%. Hence, the rationale of the current study is to explore the opportunity for using tourism as an opportunity for LED. The study employed a quantitative research approach through the use of a questionnaire in collecting data on the viability of the use of tourism as a mechanism for creating economic opportunities for the host community in PSJ. Additionally, the sample approach for the study was purposive and stratified random sampling. The target population in the study comprised 400 respondents, and of these 307, or 80%, completed the survey questionnaires. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22.0, analysis program was used to analyse data. Results obtained from the descriptive and exploratory data analysis revealed a mostly favourable response among the respondents for the development of a tourism niche as a means of fast-tracking LED within the host community of PSJ. The study also revealed a tourism policy gap with regards to LED formulation and implementation and the need for a tourism development plan for the town and surroundings of PSJ. It is in this regard that the study recommends, first, a stakeholder consultative process that will culminate in the development of a strategic tourism plan that will form part of the overall economic development plan for PSJ. Second, tap into national and provincial funding schemes through the development of sound funding proposals and business plans. Third, establish partnerships with the local institutions of higher learning such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) and universities to conduct tourism research and surveys. Fourth, improve stakeholder coordination and collaboration. Fifth, ensure the prioritisation of tourism during government budget processes. Last, capacitate host communities to take advantage of wealth created through tourism.
Description
Submitted in 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
2020-10-01
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
Community involvement, Host community, Local economic development, Rural tourism, Socio-economic impacts, Sustainable tourism, Tourism development