Investigating the current challenges of cultural tourism for sustainable local economic development in KZN province, South Africa

Abstract

This study investigates the prevailing barriers to the development of cultural tourism to become an inclusive and participatory agent of local economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Using a mixed methods study approach, researchers collected data by giving structured questionnaires and conducting semi-structured interviews in eleven culturally rich areas of the province. Quantitative findings indicate the COVID-19 pandemic significantly eroded tourism growth, followed closely by the lack of local engagement, primarily among the youth and women, largely resulting from the unavailability of information and the lack of support for small businesses. Qualitative findings endorse the stated barriers, indicating the lack of sufficient strategic planning, under-marketing of the culture of tourism, and the lack of integration of such aspects of culture, such as traditional foods and arts, into the touristic products. The study calls for inclusive policies to empower the marginalised communities, the widening of community engagement, and the utilisation of KZN’s cultural resources to drive economic transformation. The study concludes by providing recommendations for responsive governance, strategic marketing, and development paradigms that can reposition the culture of tourism as a viable path for inclusive development in the province.

Keywords: {'name': 'Cultural tourism, Sustainable development, Local economic development Community participation, Inclusive tourism, Youth and women empowerment, Tourism policy'}

Authors & affiliations

Yvonne Celinhlanhla Cele
KwaZulu-Natal Museum

Muhammad Hoque
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Deposited references

Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.

Binns, T. & Nel, E. (2020). The Routledge Handbook of African Development. Routledge.

Department of Tourism South Africa. (2023). Annual Performance Plan 2023/24. Pretoria: Government of South Africa.

DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2020.1758708

Ivanovic, M. & Saayman, M. (2022). Cultural Tourism in Southern Africa: Policy, Practice, and Prospects. Cape Town: Juta.

OECD. (2021). The Impact of Culture on Tourism: Cultural Routes and Sustainable Development. Paris: OECD Publishing.

Richards, G. & Marques, L. (2022). Experiential Tourism: Creating Meaningful and Memorable Experiences. Routledge.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2018.03.005

Richards, G. (2021). Creative Tourism: Concepts, Contexts and Practices. Channel View Publications.

DOI: 10.46222/ajhtl.19770720-83

DOI: 10.46222/ajhtl.19770720.207

Saarinen, J. & Rogerson, C. M. (2023). Inclusive Tourism Development in the Global South: Challenges and Opportunities. Springer.

Smith, M.K. and Richards, G. (2020). The Routledge Handbook of Cultural Tourism. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.

UNESCO. (2023). Cultural Tourism and Community Empowerment: Lessons from the Field. Paris: UNESCO.

UNWTO. (2023). Tourism and Culture Synergies: Enhancing Sustainable Development. Madrid: United Nations World Tourism Organization.

UNWTO. (2022). Tourism and COVID-19: Trends and Policy Responses. Madrid: United Nations World Tourism Organization.