This study was aimed at finding solutions and getting results that gave a clear narrative about technological improvements in the tourism industry. it wanted to resolve the problem and conclude on research's main aim which was the impacts of the 4IR on the tourism industry in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study was conducted around Thulamela Local Municipality as the tourism destination with the use of the Quantitative method. The sample of the study consisted of tourism businesses in TLM that depended on technology such as accommodation facilities and restaurants where the data was collected. The data collected was analyzed using a statistical analysis approach. It depicted that TLM as a tourism destination has encountered negative and positive impacts with the newly introduced Fourth Industrial Revolution. The analysis further shows that most employees are facing difficulties in terms of machinery. The analysis of data indicated that the majority of employees were not happy with the introduction of the 4IR in the tourism industry as the machinery seemed to be substituting them in the workplace. On the other hand, new companies are facing high competition because of the 4IR whilst other companies are getting more profit and customers because of the fast service machinery introduced by the 4IR. This research has shown that the tourism industry has accepted and welcomed the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution in TLM as many tourism businesses have adopted a new way of running their businesses. This study has indicated that as much as the 4IR was beneficial to the industry, employees were, however, dissatisfied with the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution due to their losing jobs. As such, the researcher concluded that the 4IR has impacted the tourism industry positively by benefiting the tourism establishments and negatively on employees because their jobs were under threat. Show less

This study was aimed at finding solutions and getting results that gave a clear narrative about technological improvements in the tourism industry. it wanted to resolve the problem and conclude on research's main aim which was the impacts of the 4IR on the tourism industry in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study was Show more

Context Accommodation grading systems officially exist in many countries and globally, including South Africa. Official star grading systems classify tourism accommodation based on physical and qualitative criteria. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) is critical in providing standardised ratings for accommodation establishments. However, the tourism landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by changing consumer preferences, emerging trends, and technological advancements. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the grading system remains relevant and effectively serves the needs of both domestic and international travellers. Rationale This study investigates the perceived impacts of the accommodation rating system on improving service quality and performance in South African accommodation establishments, examining perceptions of the influence and effectiveness of the Tourism Accommodation Grading System in South Africa to provide insights into the relevance of the grading system and recommendations. Furthermore, the study examines the influence of safety and security requirements and the integration of alternative energy sources (as part of the broader focus on sustainability). Additionally, given the ever-evolving technological landscape, the assessment also explores incorporating technological advancements and innovations as part of the grading system, including new forms of rating that substantially influence tourism behaviour among consumers and establishments. Show less

Context Accommodation grading systems officially exist in many countries and globally, including South Africa. Official star grading systems classify tourism accommodation based on physical and qualitative criteria. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) is critical in providing standardised ratings for Show more

This study investigates the social impacts of tourism events on communities living in the vicinity of the event venues. It investigates perceptions of host communities on impacts of the events. The findings revealed that tourism events have both positive and negative impacts on host communities. The study uses the qualitative research approach which provides an opportunity to capture the richness and complexity of their experiences, which may not be captured by quantitative research methods. The study therefore, concluded that it is necessary to take necessary precautions when hosting events, especially in rural communities. The study concludes that the event should continue to be hosted because it helps the community to be able to generate income and creates employment for the local people as well as good business opportunities for local businesses. Show less

This study investigates the social impacts of tourism events on communities living in the vicinity of the event venues. It investigates perceptions of host communities on impacts of the events. The findings revealed that tourism events have both positive and negative impacts on host communities. The study uses the qualitative Show more

South Africa’s Bed & Breakfast (B&B) sector has grown rapidly since 1994 because of inclusive growth measures that seek to correct the tainted legacy of the apartheid era. The sector is widely occupied by small businesses which recruit local people using entry-level qualifications. However, little attention has been given to the training and development needs of employees working in this sector. The main aim of this study is to investigate the training and development needs of employees in the B & B sector in Thohoyandou. The primary objectives of this research are threefold: firstly, to determine the current levels of knowledge and skills possessed by employees concerning operational practices in B&Bs; secondly, to identify and specify the areas necessitating targeted training and development interventions; and thirdly, to analyse the challenges hindering the successful adoption and application of improved practices by employees. A quantitative research approach which followed a survey research design was utilised to achieve the research objectives. A random sampling technique was used to select 50 participants who took part in this study. The results would be useful for crafting appropriate training programs for employees as well as equipping employers with competitive enabling tools of employee management for the betterment of their businesses. On a broader scale, the results of this study would assist policymakers to effectively develop training and development policies targeted at improving the B&Bs in accommodation sector. There are challenges that people face while trying to execute sustainable practices. It is, therefore, recommended that employers consider improving the skills level of the employees through training. Show less

South Africa’s Bed & Breakfast (B&B) sector has grown rapidly since 1994 because of inclusive growth measures that seek to correct the tainted legacy of the apartheid era. The sector is widely occupied by small businesses which recruit local people using entry-level qualifications. However, little attention has been given to Show more

Youth and student tourism is critical to upgrading the tourism market, as the estimate of the youth travel market has changed over the past decade. The World Tourism Association notes that youth visitors make up one-sixth of worldwide entries, with an average of sixty percent. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research that examines youth involvement and contribution to tourism growth. It is also important to define the terms “youth” and “domestic tourism” and their importance. This study will investigate the barriers to the participation of second-year tourism students at the University of Venda in domestic tourism. The study is descriptive and used a quantitative method with a random sampling technique to select respondents. The study area is at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool, and SPSS will be used for data analysis. The results of this study will help tourism students identify barriers to participating in domestic tourism and find solutions. Show less

Youth and student tourism is critical to upgrading the tourism market, as the estimate of the youth travel market has changed over the past decade. The World Tourism Association notes that youth visitors make up one-sixth of worldwide entries, with an average of sixty percent. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research that Show more

The study aimed to explore and understand the key role of community participation in the development of tourism in Phiphidi village. The specific objectives of the study included assessing the significance of community participation, identifying barriers to participation, examining mechanisms to encourage participation, and evaluating the overall impact of community involvement in sustainable tourism development. The importance of this research lay in its potential contributions to both academic scholarship and practical applications in the field of sustainable tourist development. Through a purposive sampling approach, the study engaged with a diverse group of 15 community members, representing various age groups, genders, and roles within the Phiphidi village. This deliberate selection allowed for a comprehensive exploration of different perspectives, ensuring a more nuanced understanding of the complex cultural dynamics and societal structures within the community. The research methodology involved the use of semi-structured interviews as the primary means of data collection. These interviews offered participants the freedom to elaborate on their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, providing rich insights into the role of the Phiphidi Village community in sustainable tourism development initiatives. The interview guide, with core questions focusing on community engagement, challenges, and strategies, was designed to maintain consistency while allowing flexibility for participants to share their unique perspectives. Upon completion of data collection, the study employed a thematic analysis approach to systematically categorize and analyze emerging themes from interview transcriptions and observational data. This analysis aimed to uncover patterns, similarities, and differences in participant responses, providing valuable insights into the community's experiences with sustainable tourism development. The findings of the study revealed a complex picture of drivers, obstacles, and goals within the Phiphidi community's attitudes towards sustainable tourism. Economic incentives, cultural pride, and concerns about transformative impacts all contributed to the multifaceted nature of the community's perspective. The recommendations drawn from the study emphasized the need for customized programs, open decision-making processes, measures to protect cultural heritage, educational initiatives, and comprehensive development strategies. Show less

The study aimed to explore and understand the key role of community participation in the development of tourism in Phiphidi village. The specific objectives of the study included assessing the significance of community participation, identifying barriers to participation, examining mechanisms to encourage participation, and Show more

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE The accommodation sub-sector in tourism is integral to the overall travel and tourism experience. As a billion-dollar industry in South Africa’s economy, the pre-COVID accommodation sector generated an average of R28.3 billion annually between 2016 and 2019 (Statista, 2023). As global tourism recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing inbound and domestic tourism has buoyed the positive growth trajectory of the tourism-oriented accommodation sector. Within this post-crisis recovery scenario, this study was commissioned to investigate the perceived impact(s) of South Africa’s accommodation rating system on accommodation establishments' service quality, improvement, and performance in South Africa - from a demand and supply perspective. RATIONALE As a custodian of quality assurance in South African tourism, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) has been grading accommodation establishments in South Africa for at least two (2) decades. However, more information is needed about the impact of the grading system on improving the quality of service and performance of the accommodation establishments in South Africa, more so after the 2019 revision of the grading criteria. A limited number of studies have been conducted in South Africa. Given the changes in the tourism sector, a fresh and renewed perspective is needed to ensure the successful application and implementation of grading in the next few years. The outcomes of this study provide the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Grading Council and tourism product owners with insights that will inform policy decisions and frameworks. METHODOLOGY A quantitative study collected the deductive data required to address the research questions. Table I summarises the methodology applied in the study. Show less

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE The accommodation sub-sector in tourism is integral to the overall travel and tourism experience. As a billion-dollar industry in South Africa’s economy, the pre-COVID accommodation sector generated an average of R28.3 billion annually between 2016 and 2019 (Statista, 2023). As global tourism recovers from Show more

Tourist guiding is an important subsector of the tourism industry. In South Africa, tourism forms an important contributor the economy and accounts for a large portion of employment. Tourist guiding has been seen as a mechanism for upliftment due to the relative ease of entering the subsector. Despite this, transformation within the industry has been relatively slow, particularly for women and the youth. This is concerning as the highest rates of unemployment in South Africa are among the youth. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to investigate demographic transformation within the tourist guiding profession in South Africa with a focus on race, gender and the youth. The specific focus of the study was to examine the potential opportunities, challenges, and barriers to transformation within the tourist guiding subsector, with an emphasis on previously disadvantaged groups. This study adopted a mixed-method research design, to ensure a holistic and in-depth investigation into the research topic. Given the large population of guides in the country, registered in alignment with the Act (3 of 2014), a quantitative approach using surveys was adopted to gather information from tourist guides. A mixture of purposive and snowball sampling was used in disseminating an online survey link to tourist guides. Furthermore, to increase the response rate, data was also collected directly at key tourism attractions in the various provinces. A total of 434 usable surveys were collected. In addition, a qualitative approach was used to gain a deeper understanding of challenges to transformation, as well as, importantly, opportunities for transformation from an administrative and practical perspective. This was carried out in the form of in-depth interviews conducted with the provincial registrars of tourist guiding, as well as representatives of various tourist guiding associations, resulting in a total of 12 interviews. Preliminary findings from the surveys indicated that the tourist guiding subsector in South Africa is dominated by Black men between the ages of 35 and 44, highlighting issues of participation among women and the youth as has been previously noted. Most tourist guides operate within the culture-guiding category rather than adventure and nature while Gauteng was the most represented province in terms of area of operation. These results are supplemented by those from the qualitative aspect of the study, where key findings emphasised the key role that the national and provincial registrars play in the cohesiveness of the subsector; in the achievement of the professionalisation of tourist guiding, , given their ability to advance key aspects of transformation, as well as ensure that practical measures can be realised. Show less

Tourist guiding is an important subsector of the tourism industry. In South Africa, tourism forms an important contributor the economy and accounts for a large portion of employment. Tourist guiding has been seen as a mechanism for upliftment due to the relative ease of entering the subsector. Despite this, transformation Show more

The Department of Tourism is prioritising domestic tourism’s recovery. This is linked to the consensus that promoting domestic tourism is crucial to ensure that the sector recovers from the pandemic impacts on a pathway to sustainability and resilience to deal with future disruptions. This report extends the previous study to pilot and refine the Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework proposed, incorporating the Domestic Tourism Scheme as a key component. This report provides the context of the study, stipulating the aim, objectives and research questions. In relation to the rationale and purpose of the research, the piloting and refinement of the proposed Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework are critical to guide interventions and buy-in. Furthermore, the Framework is extended to include awareness and communication, training and skills development, and monitoring and evaluation components to support effective implementation and achieve intended impacts. The research methodology adopted during this Phase was a desktop approach (updating the literature) and qualitative component (key informant interviews and focus group discussions) to facilitate engagements with purposively selected (after undertaking stakeholder mapping) and key stakeholders on the Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework and Domestic Tourism Scheme. In total, 24 key informants and 4 focus groups completed. The proposed Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework is informed by the sustainable tourism development approach, linked to the ecosystem-based operational model that includes the drivers, pressures, state, impact and response (DPSIR) framework, which informs an examination of tourism that is based on a complex set of phenomena with multi-dimensional aspects and impacts. This approach was complemented by the Theory of Change approach during this Phase that promotes outcomes and results-based approaches to planning and development, focuses on evidence-based/ data-driven evaluation that demonstrates benefits and viability, enhances capacity development, enables partnerships and collaboration and is learning-orientated to improve future policies, plans and interventions. Several themes emerged from the literature review undertaken, including the importance of domestic tourism in South Africa and globally; trends and changes in domestic tourism travel behaviours; challenges faced in relation to finance, infrastructure, safety and security; the impacts of digital and technological advancements, and awareness levels. There was also consensus that domestic tourism was on a pathway to recovery, which needs to be supported/ incentivised. The importance of education and training as well as effective awareness and communication strategies were also highlighted. Show less

The Department of Tourism is prioritising domestic tourism’s recovery. This is linked to the consensus that promoting domestic tourism is crucial to ensure that the sector recovers from the pandemic impacts on a pathway to sustainability and resilience to deal with future disruptions. This report extends the previous study to Show more

By April 2022, 489 million (Africa - 2.5%) COVID-19 infections, and over 6 million (Africa - 4.1%) deaths globally were attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (World Health Organisation – WHO, 2022). While the infection and death rates associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent may not have been as severe compared to other regions, the impact on tourism was significantly more pronounced. In 2019, the global travel and tourism sector represented 27.4% of global services exports, generating upwards of US$9.2 trillion [10.4% of global GDP], while creating one in every four new employment opportunities globally and accounting for 334 million existing jobs (10.6% of global employment). According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), globally tourism contracted with 73% in 2020 and 72% in 2021 (UNWTO, 2022). Arrivals to Africa contracted by 69% on 2020 and 74% in 2021. The result was the same for South Africa where arrivals contracted by 73% in 2020 and 78% in 2021 (UNWTO, 2022). As a result of these contractions, worldwide revenue and job losses of up to US$4.5 trillion (-49.1%) and 62 million (-18.5%) in 2020, respectively, can be attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic - with Africa shedding 7.2 million travel and tourism jobs and costing the continent’s economy an estimated US$83 billion1. However, it is essential to acknowledge that South Africa’s post-COVID-19 tourism recovery is a multifaceted conundrum - as the country must now also grapple with significant contemporary challenges which include extrinsic forces such as increasing global inflationary levels major South Africa’s major western source markets, as well as the global challenges emanating from the ongoing war in the Ukraine. Tourism is widely considered to be a viable vector for sustainable socio-economic development on the African continent due to the integrative nature of its value chain (forward and backward linkages with suppliers and service providers), as well as the economic multiplier effect (tourism receipts, export products, employment creation, local economic development) (Matiza & Slabbert, 2019). However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced moratoriums on domestic and international travel, tourism demand decreased significantly. The tourism industry received no income or visitors for several months, negatively influencing the value chain and labour market. Several ad hoc strategies were implemented to curb the effect of restrictions on the travel and tourism industry, such as pivoting from international to domestic tourism, allowing limited travel, and providing support to the industry. However, these strategies are not a panacea a quick and complete recovery of South Africa’s tourism industry. Added to this, the continuous uncertainty about the management of such a pandemic demands a future view of how to ensure that the South African tourism industry does not face the same challenges and is more prepared to ensure the sustainability and resilience of this industry. Show less

By April 2022, 489 million (Africa - 2.5%) COVID-19 infections, and over 6 million (Africa - 4.1%) deaths globally were attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (World Health Organisation – WHO, 2022). While the infection and death rates associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent may not have been as Show more