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

Guided tours and tourism destinations are inseparable, with such guided tours often being sought after for their power to improve tourist satisfaction and envisioned to enhance visitors' experience and impact tourism growth at destinations. The success of such guided tours is often premised on several factors, which when present, would influence visitors' propensity to recommend, revisit and make future destination choices. Such factors play a critical role in determining whether visitors would consider guided or self-led excursions. Increasingly, South Africa relies on revenue from tourists as a major source of income. Statistics from South Africa show that the tourism industry is dependent on tour operators, tourist guides, and information services and that the travel industry and reservation services are built-in industries. Because of how much they enrich visitors' experiences, guided tours are offered in many different nations. These excursions are in high demand because of the positive effect they have on visitor satisfaction and, by extension, the development of the tourism industry in the places they visit. For a price or for free, tour guides may impart invaluable knowledge to their clients that can shape how visitors could remember their time in a certain location. Several studies have shown evidence of a correlation between tour guides and tourists taking tours. This is particularly true considering that many visitors choose guided tours rather than self-directed ones. Understanding the Critical Success Factors for guided tours is essential as it makes it easier for tourism suppliers to channel efforts toward tourist satisfaction. This research aimed at providing light on the under-researched topic of critical success factors for guided tours in South Africa's Western Cape Province. Understanding what makes for a successful guided tour is crucial for any tourist attraction. When the factors that make a guided tour enjoyable are isolated, tourism providers may better focus their efforts on satisfying their clients. It is worth noting that customers often want the provider and the tourist guide, to go above and beyond to ensure that they are satisfied with what is offered. The research used a mixed methods approach, which included both qualitative and quantitative techniques, to accomplish its goals. The number of interviewees was determined to be 12; all of them tour guides. For the quantitative data (n=451), a non-probability systematic sample comprised visitors taking part in guided tours in the Western Cape Province. Given that studies have shown that tour guides often lack the knowledge necessary to ensure that their clients are satisfied, it was crucial to investigate ways to enhance the quality of guided tours from the perspectives of both clients and tour guides. The study revealed that safety, knowledgeable guides, and pricing remain critical in the success of guided tours. The study highlights the critical factors considered essential for the success of guided excursions and the areas that require improvement. This research is important because it expands our understanding of a topic that has not been studied nearly enough so far especially focusing on how guided tours may be improved, and in the context of South Africa. According to the study findings, keeping an open line of contact with clients is crucial to retaining their loyalty. Those involved in the business tourism sector need to pay attention to new developments and come up with creative solutions if they want to compete with other business destinations over the globe. Those involved in the business tourism ecosystem should also stay abreast of research developments. Ultimately, this could lead to tour guides investing in skills development and knowledge expansion to conduct tours that satisfy visitors. The study further contributes to serving as a guide for further studies that may seek to investigate how guided tours in other provinces of South Africa should be conducted and ultimately improved. Furthermore, the study could provide a basis for tour guides within the Western Cape Province and South Africa more broadly to undertake more successful guided tours by understanding the CSFs required. Following an analysis of the study’s findings, recommendations for effective guided tours for the tourism industry were highlighted while practical and managerial implications were proposed. Show less

Guided tours and tourism destinations are inseparable, with such guided tours often being sought after for their power to improve tourist satisfaction and envisioned to enhance visitors' experience and impact tourism growth at destinations. The success of such guided tours is often premised on several factors, which when Show more

According to the Global tourism organisation (2022) tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing sectors, with adventure tourism being one of the fastest-growing sub-industries. Adventure tourism is a developing niche market, with the potential to become extremely popular and profitable. The term "adventure" refers to a unique experience that involves personal excitement. (Hanna, Wijesinghe, Paliatsos, Walker, Adams, and Kimbu 2019).South Africa is widely viewed as one of the greatest African adventure destinations. However, sustainability is a pressing issue in any tourism context, here and elsewhere. As a result, adventure tourism destinations require guidance on how to succeed and be sustainable. (Erene 2018). The primary objective of this study is to assess the adventure tourism activities at Phiphidi Waterfalls. This study is descriptive in nature, and data was collected using a quantitative method in the form of a questionnaire. The study was conducted at Faranani and Mudomba villages situated next to the Waterfall. The sample included Phiphidi waterfalls service providers, tourist who visit Phiphidi waterfalls for adventure activities and community members. The study revealed that the most tourist visit Phiphidi waterfall for Swimming, Fishing, Birds-watching and Rock-climbing. Most tourist who travel to Phiphidi waterfall were found to be people who love adventure. The study also revealed that adventure tourism is benefiting local community members from job opportunity and meeting new people. Faranani and Mudomba residents were found mainly to be common people benefiting from providing product to tourist visiting waterfall. Show less

According to the Global tourism organisation (2022) tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing sectors, with adventure tourism being one of the fastest-growing sub-industries. Adventure tourism is a developing niche market, with the potential to become extremely popular and profitable. The term "adventure" refers to a unique Show more

According to the World Bank (1975), rural development is defined as a strategy aiming at the improvement of economic and social living conditions, focusing on a specific group of poor people in rural areas. It assists the poorest group among the people living in rural areas to benefit from development. Tourism is regarded as one of the development tools in rural communities. Rural tourism has a high potential to stimulate economic growth and social change because of its complementary significance with other economic activities. Rural development is an underlying issue in South Africa as young people are emigrating to other countries or even to more developed areas like the city or urban areas either looking for employment opportunities or improve their standard of living, which leaves the rural areas underdeveloped and the decrease for potential spaces of development and eventually these areas are left neglected. Development in rural areas becomes difficult because there are challenges and hindrances when unutilised spaces, especially in rural areas such as Ha-Makuya where it is mostly nature or cultural tourism. The aim of this research project was to determine the need and the extent to which tourism contribution to rural development The project I employed a qualitative research approach and key informants were consulted to provide primary and first-hand information. The local tourism guide could assist in identifying existing and potential tourism products. The project was guided on secondary data information as well. The instrument used to collect data was electronic devices. The findings of the project proved that development in the Ha-Makuya is essential for the improvement of social standards and basic living conditions Show less

According to the World Bank (1975), rural development is defined as a strategy aiming at the improvement of economic and social living conditions, focusing on a specific group of poor people in rural areas. It assists the poorest group among the people living in rural areas to benefit from development. Tourism is regarded as Show more

Hospitality can be described as the friendly reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers and usually includes food and accommodation. Because of the line of business, it requires employees with various levels of expertise, however, there are challenges in retaining these employees. The challenge of employee retention in the hotel subsector has been reported by multiple studies around the world, which have consistently reported high employee turnover in hotels. Most of these studies report on data obtained in Europe and North America and the literature lacks African data, with limited studies from South Africa. Much of the literature on staff turnover and retention focuses on hotels and not the high turnover observed in restaurants. This identified the need to focus on this gap as the researcher observed staff turnover within the restaurants. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate staff turnover in the restaurant sector, specifically within the kitchen department. The specific aim of the study was to assess staff turnover within these restaurant kitchens, to determine the status, causes and impact thereof. This study used a quantitative research approach with a positivist paradigm. Two questionnaires were used for data collection, one for managers and one for employees. The sample frame was developed using the TripAdvisor website, which indicated that there were 401 restaurants in the Cape Town Central Business District at the time that the study was conducted, of which 150 participated in this study. A sampling calculator was used to calculate the number of restaurants to participate in the study. Systematic sampling was used to select the restaurants from the developed sample frame and convenience sampling was used to select the respondents (Managers and Employees) who participated in the study. Fifty managers and 100 employees completed the questionnaires. Data gathered were captured and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 26. Data were presented in the form of tables and graphs with frequencies and percentages, using descriptive statistics. Apart from the three main objectives of the study, demographic information was collected from both participants to understand the differences between managers/executive chefs and employees (chefs). It was found that in both participants males dominated (60% and 54%) respectively, while there was a difference in age as for managers the age group which dominated was the 30-39 while employees were younger (20-29). The qualifications of managers differed significantly from the employees, the majority of the managers had a post-Matric qualification compared to the employees, which means the leaders are more educated than the employees in this study. Data collected from managers gathered information about the status of staff turnover and the reasons thereof. The main highlights of the findings showed that most (62%) of the respondents (Managers) experienced high staff turnover. Managers further attributed high staff turnover to staff who could not handle the pressure of the restaurant industry (24%), those who left for better opportunities (12%), and a culture of constantly changing companies among young people (4%), not necessarily due to being dissatisfied with their current one. Employee data were collected to understand the cause and impact of staff turnover. The employees highlighted factors that cause constant staff turnover as long working hours (82%), being underpaid (86%), workers’ efforts not being recognised (56%) and poor leadership roles (56%). The impact of staff turnover was reported by the employees of which the majority (86%) stated that the workload increased, 84% stated that the service was immensely impacted and the physical health (76%) of the employees was affected. Whilst some of the restaurants experienced low (38%) staff turnover, it is evident that most (62%) experience high staff turnover. The study has revealed that high staff turnover is prevalent within these restaurants. Furthermore, the causes of high staff turnover were also observed with the impact thereof. Based on these findings the researcher has suggested the following recommendations which are, complying with labour laws specifically working hours, recognition of hard-working employees and thus giving incentives to those deserving individuals. These will benefit both managers/owners and employees working within the restaurant industry and more especially the kitchen department as they assist in reducing staff turnover. Show less

Hospitality can be described as the friendly reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers and usually includes food and accommodation. Because of the line of business, it requires employees with various levels of expertise, however, there are challenges in retaining these employees. The challenge of employee Show more

This study attempts to examine the relationship between archives, tourism and museums by positioning museums as a conduit between them. It takes a closer look at this triangular relationship by first considering the history and relationship between archives and museums. Secondly, it considers the relationship between museums and tourism and the recent trends that connect museums with tourism. Thirdly, it looks at how the development of archives is linked to museums and tourism to form this triangular relationship. It is argued that archives and tourism are set to become greater partners through museums. Museums and tourism are already connected through the history of their development, and therefore increased collaborative efforts between museums and archives in the fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to archives becoming more connected to the tourism sphere that museums are located in. The study uses Mapungubwe as an example of how the archive, museum and tourism sector share a triangular relationship. Show less

This study attempts to examine the relationship between archives, tourism and museums by positioning museums as a conduit between them. It takes a closer look at this triangular relationship by first considering the history and relationship between archives and museums. Secondly, it considers the relationship between museums Show more

The South African government introduced different policy initiatives to develop tourism in, the country and these tourism policies serve as guidelines for the development of the tourism sector. Municipalities are at the lowest level of Government, and it is where the actual implementation of tourism policies should be taking place. District municipalities and communities globally often face poorly planned development projects resulting from inefficient and ineffective policy and planning implementation. One of the reasons for this is that there is, at times, a lack of participation by key stakeholders. As a result, the study aims was to examine stakeholders' involvement in the development and implementation of tourism-related policies in the O.R Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM). This study adopted a qualitative approach. The research population in this study included the individuals from the district municipality, regional and local tourism organisations, also known as tourism forums, tourism development agencies and the rural planning and economic development departments. Purposive sampling methods complemented by the snowball sampling method were two types of non-probability sampling techniques that were used in this study to identify the research sample from the research population. Consequently, fourteen (14) semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders. A thematic analysis technique was used to analyse the data. Since this study focussed on stakeholders' involvement in the development and implementation of tourism policies at the selected district municipality (ORTDM). The research findings reveal that there are challenges related to lack of stakeholder involvement, lack of political support, poor implementation, as well as underdeveloped infrastructure. Show less

The South African government introduced different policy initiatives to develop tourism in, the country and these tourism policies serve as guidelines for the development of the tourism sector. Municipalities are at the lowest level of Government, and it is where the actual implementation of tourism policies should be taking Show more