Posted in Articles

Rural tourism in South Africa: A local economic development strategy

   June 22, 2025  Leave a Comment on Rural tourism in South Africa: A local economic development strategy

Download PDF

Abstract

This study aims to assess the potential of rural tourism as a strategy for local economic development in three rural villages in the Thulamela Local Municipality, which falls under the Vhembe District Municipality in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Rural tourism is considered a promising industry for rural development and a popular approach to local economic growth. Sustainable rural tourism is recognised as a crucial component of rural development and is particularly important in developing nations, such as South Africa, where substantial rural populations and limited economic activity exist. The study utilised a qualitative research approach, drawing on an exploratory design and interpretive paradigm. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select participants. Focus group discussions were conducted with the participants, and content analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The study indicates that rural tourism could effectively promote local economic growth in the three rural villages by providing residents with employment opportunities, thereby reducing poverty rates in rural areas. However, challenges remain, including the lack of funding to support small tourism businesses and the need for human capital development in local communities. The study recommends a gradual approach to knowledge and skills development within local communities to support the business aspects of rural tourism development, as well as the provision of funding assistance.

Authors

  • Takalani Ramukumba (Walter Sisulu University, South Africa)

References

  1. Alrawadieh, Z., & Alrawadieh, Z. (2018). Exploring entrepreneurship in the sharing-accommodation sector: Empirical evidence from a developing country. Tourism Management Perspectives, 28, 179–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2018.09.001
  2. Aref, F., & Gill, S. S. (2009). Rural tourism development through rural cooperatives. Nature and Science, 7(10), 68–73.
  3. Aref, F., & Gill, S.S. (2009). Rural tourism development through rural cooperatives. Nature and Science, 7(10), 68–73.
  4. Bauer, M., Kablan, E., Kasüske, D., Klauditz, A., Nordhorn, C., & Zilker, A. (2012). Trekking in the Alps? Spaces in trekking tourism from the perspective of Europe. Journal of Tourism, 13(2), 85-103.
  5. Binns, T., & Nel, E. (2001). Tourism as a Local Development Strategy in South Africa. The Geographical Journal, 168(3), 235–247. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-4959.00051
  6. Blakely, E. J., & Bradshaw, T.K. (2002). Planning Local Economic Development: Theory and Practice. California: Sage Publications.
  7. Cawley, M., & Gillmor, D.A. (2008). Integrated rural tourism: concepts and practice. Annals of Tourism Research, 35(2), 316–337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2007.07.011
  8. Cheng, T. M., Wu, H. C., Wang, J. T. M., & Wu, M. R. (2019). Community participation as a mediating factor on residents’ attitudes towards sustainable tourism development and their personally environmentally responsible behaviour. Current Issues in Tourism, 22(14), 1764- 1782. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2017.1405383
  9. Christensen, P. H. (2004). Children’s participation in ethnographic research: Issues of power and representation. Children and Society, 18, 165–176.
  10. Dalimunthe, D. Y., Valeriani, D., Hartini, F., & Wardhani, R. S. (2020). The readiness of supporting infrastructure for tourism destination in achieving sustainable tourism development. Society, 8(1), 217-233. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v8i1.149
  11. Egbali, N., Nosrat, A. B., & Pour, S. K. (2010). Investigation Challenges and Guidelines Development of Rural Tourism: A Case Study of Rural Semnan Province. South Asia Journal of Tourism and Heritage, 3(2), 61-75.
  12. Ezeuduji, I. O. (2015a). Building capabilities for sub-Saharan Africa’s rural tourism services performance. African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 21(2), 68-75. https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/EJC182967
  13. Ezeuduji, I. O. (2015b). Strategic event-based rural tourism development for sub-Saharan Africa. Current Issues in Tourism, 18(3), 212-228. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2013.787049
  14. Ezeuduji, I. O. (2017). Change management for sub-Saharan Africa’s rural tourism development. Current Issues in Tourism, 20(9), 946-959. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2014.946892
  15. Ezeuduji, I. O., & Nkosi, G.S. (2017). Tourism destination competitiveness using brand essence: Incorporating the “Zuluness” of the Zulu Kingdom. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 6(1), 1-10.
  16. Ezeuduji, I. O., & Rid, W. (2011). Rural tourism offers and local community participation in the Gambia. An International Multidisciplinary Journal of Tourism, 6(2), 187-211.
  17. Giampiccoli, A., & Mtapuri, O. (2022). Community-based tourism and entrepreneurship: towards a model for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Journal of Tourism & Development, 39, 439-449. https://doi.org/10.34624/rtd.v39i0.30360
  18. Guzman-Parra, V. F., Quintana-García, C., Benavides-Velasco, C. A., & Vila-Oblitas, J. R. (2015). Trends and seasonal variation of tourist demand in Spain: The role of rural tourism. Tourism Management Perspectives, 16, 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2015.07.014
  19. Hadiwijoyo, S. S. (2012). Perencanaan Pariwisata Perdesaan Berbasis Masyarakat (SebuahPendekatan Konsep). Graha Ilmu ITB.
  20. Hesse-Biber, S. N., & Leavy, P. (2010). The practice of qualitative research. Sage.
  21. Hristova, S. & Tast, J. (2015). The emergence and significance of local economic development. Economic Development, 3, 379–398.
  22. Johnson, L., & Christensen, L. (2004). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. MA Allyn & Bacon.
  23. Jovanovic, S., & Ivana, I.L.I.?. (2016). Infrastructure as an important determinant of tourism development in the countries of Southeast Europe. Ecoforum Journal, 5(1), 288-294.
  24. Kgote, T., & Kotze, N. (2013). Visitors perceptions and attitudes towards the tourism product offered by Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa. African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 19(sup-3), 323-335. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC143190
  25. Khodadadi, M. (2016). Challenges and opportunities for tourism development in Iran: Perspectives of Iranian tourism suppliers. Tourism Management Perspectives, 19, 90-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2016.05.001
  26. Kimbu, A. N., Ngoasong, M. Z., Adeola, O., & Afenyo-Agbe, E. (2019). Collaborative networks for sustainable human capital management in women’s tourism entrepreneurship: The role of tourism policy. Tourism Planning & Development, 16(2), 161-178. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568316.2018.1556329
  27. Komppula, R. (2014). The role of individual entrepreneurs in the development of competitiveness for a rural tourism destination–A case study. Tourism Management, 40, 361–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2013.07.007
  28. Kumar, A. (2019). A study on gender differences in motives of visit intention, perceived value and tourist satisfaction with rural tourism in India. International Journal on Customer Relations, 7(2), 16–26.
  29. Lane, B., & Kastenholz, E. (2015). Rural tourism: The evolution of practice and research approaches towards a new generation concept? Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 23(8-9), 1133-1156. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2015.1083997
  30. Langford, B. E., Schoenfeld, G., & Izzo, G. (2002). Nominal grouping sessions vs. focus groups. Qualitative Market Research, 5, 58-70.
  31. Leu, T. C. (2019). Tourism as a livelihood diversification strategy among Sámi indigenous people in northern Sweden. Acta Borealia, 36(1), 75–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/08003831.2019.1603009
  32. Manavhela, P. & Spencer, J.P. (2012). Assessment of the potential for sustainable community tourism development: A study at the Nandoni Dam in Limpopo, South Africa. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 18(3), 535-551. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC126013
  33. Manju, G., & Gundumogula, M. (2020). Importance of focus groups in qualitative research. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 8(11), 299-302.
  34. Marais, M., du Plessis, E., & Saayman, M. (2017). Critical success factors of a business tourism destination: Supply side analysis. Acta Commercii, 17(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.1959526
  35. Maree K. (2016). First steps in research. Van Schaik.
  36. Martin, R., Martinelli, F., & Clifton, J. (2022). Rethinking spatial policy in an era of multiple crises, Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 15(1), 3–21. https://doi.org/10.1093/cjres/rsab037
  37. Martins, L. F., Gan, Y., & Ferreira-Lopes., A. (2017). An empirical analysis of the influence of macroeconomic determinants on World tourism demand, Tourism Management, 16, 248-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2017.01.008
  38. Mason, P., Augustyn, M., & Seakhoa?King, A. (2010). Exploratory study in tourism: Designing an initial, qualitative phase of sequenced, mixed methods research. International Journal of Tourism Research, 12(5), 432-448. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.763
  39. Meyer, D. F., & Meyer, N. (2015). The Role and Impact of Tourism on Local Economic Development: A Comparative Study. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 21(1), 197–214. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC172415
  40. Mieczys?aw, A. (2020). Theoretical and practical rural development concepts. Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural and Agribusiness Economists, 22(3), 9-18.
  41. Milos, C., & Bulilan, R. (2021). From Governing to Selling Tourism: Changing Role of Local Government in the Tourism Development of Bohol, Philippines. Southeast Asian Studies 10(2), 273–293. https://doi.org/10.20495/seas.10.2_273
  42. Municipalities of South Africa (2024). Map of Thulamela local municipality. https://municipalities.co.za/map/1135/thulamela-local-municipality
  43. Munien, S., Phungula, S., & Bob, U. (2018). Tourism potential, economic impacts and implications in marginalised areas in Ndwedwe Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. EuroEconomica, 37(2), 63-75.
  44. Nel, E., & Rogerson, C. M. (2016). Re-engaging with spatial economic development: The recent experience of regional and local economic development in South Africa. Local Economy, 31(1-2), 3-8. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094215623726
  45. Nsukwini, S. B. (2015). An investigation of the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism in rural areas: a case study of Nompondo, a community bordering the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa [Doctoral Dissertation, University of KwaZulu-Natal]. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  46. Nsukwini, S., & Bob, U. (2016). The socioeconomic impacts of ecotourism in rural areas: A case study of Nompondo and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP). African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 5, 1-15.
  47. Ntonzima, L., & Binza, M. S. (2011). Prioritisation of the Tourism Industry as a Local Economic Development Sector Approach for Rural Coastal Areas in South Africa: The Case of the Transkeian Wild Coast Community. Journal of Public Administration, 46(1), 654–667.
  48. Ochieng, N. T., Wilson, K., Derrick, C. J., & Mukherjee, N. (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9, 20–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12860
  49. Paresishvili, O., Kvaratskhelia, L., & Mirzaeva, V. (2017). Rural tourism as a promising trend of small business in Georgia: Topicality, capabilities, peculiarities. Annals of Agrarian Science, 15(3), 344-348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aasci.2017.07.008
  50. Patton, S. G. (1985). Tourism and Local Economic Development: Factory Outlets and the Reading SMSA. Growth and Change 16(3), 64–73. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2257.1985.tb00758.x
  51. Phi, G., Dredge, D., & Whitford, M. (2014). Understanding conflicting perspectives in event planning and management using Q method. Tourism Management, 40, 406-415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2013.07.012
  52. Purnomo, S., Rahayu, E. S., Riani, A. L., Suminah, S., & Udin, U. (2020). Empowerment model for sustainable tourism village in an emerging country. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 7(2), 261-270. https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2020.
  53. Radovi?, G., Petrovi?, M. D., Demirovi?, B. D., Radovanovi?, M., & Vukovi?, N. (2020). Can proper funding enhance sustainable tourism in rural settings? Evidence from a developing country. Sustainability, 12(18), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187797
  54. Rahmani, M., Hajari, B., Karimian, T., & Hajilo, M. (2013). Rural tourism development strategies using SWOT analysis: Case study. Life Science Journal, 10(4), 395-403.
  55. Rasoolimanesh, S. M., Jaafar, M., & Tangit, T. M. (2018). Community involvement in rural tourism: a case of Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia. Anatolia, 29(3), 337-350. https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2017.1412327
  56. Razzaq, A. R. A., Mohamad, N. H., Kader, S. S. S. A., Mustafad, M. Z., Ab.Hadi, M. Y., Hamzah, A., & Khalifah, Z. (2013). Developing human capital for rural community tourism: Using experiential learning approach. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 93, 1835-1839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.10.126
  57. Reddy, P. & Wallis, M. (2012). Local Economic Development: A Critique of the African Experience. Politeia, 31(2), 70–88. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC130229
  58. Rogerson, C. M. & Nel, E. (2016). Planning for local economic development in spaces of despair: Key trends in south africa’s ‘distressed areas’. Local Economy, 31(1–2), 124–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094215623731
  59. Rogerson, C. M. (2014). Reframing Place-based Economic Development in South Africa: The Example of Local Economic Development. Bulletin of Geography: Socioeconomic Series, 24, 203–218.
  60. Rogerson, C. M., & Rogerson, J. M. (2019). Tourism in South Africa?s borderland regions: A spatial view. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 24 (1), 175-188. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.24114-351
  61. Rogerson, C. M., & Rogerson, J. M. (2020). COVID-19 tourism impacts in South Africa: government and industry responses. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 31(3), 1083-1091. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.31321-544
  62. Rogerson, C.M. (2019). Revamping Local Economic Development Policy in South Africa. In: Knight, J., Rogerson, C. (eds) The Geography of South Africa. World Regional Geography Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94974-1_27
  63. Ruhanen, L. (2013). Local government: Facilitator or inhibitor of sustainable tourism development? Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 21(1), 80–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2012.680463
  64. Sanagustin-Fons, V., Lafita-Cortés, T., & Moseñe, J. A. (2018). Social perception of rural tourism impact: A case study. Sustainability, 10(2), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020339
  65. Statistics South Africa. (2021). General household survey 2014. Report number P0318.
  66. Strydom, A. J., Mangope, D., & Henama, U. S. (2018). Making community-based tourism sustainable: Evidence from the Free State Province, South Africa. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 24(1), 7-18. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.24101-338
  67. Temelkov, Z. & Gulev, G. (2019). Role of crowdfunding platforms in rural tourism development. SocioBrains, 56, 73-79.
  68. Thanh, N. C., & Thanh, T. T. (2015). The interconnection between interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methods in education. American journal of educational science, 1(2), 24-27.
  69. Thulamela Local Municipality. (2022). 2021/2022 Final Annual Report. https://lg.treasury.gov.za/supportingdocs/LIM343/LIM343_Annual%20Report%20Final_2022_Y_20230725T143712Z_mulaudzin.pdf
  70. Tshipala, N. N., Coetzee, W. J. L., & Potgieter, M. (2014). Stakeholders’ willingness to apply sustainable adventure tourism indicators: a case of Waterval Boven in South Africa, African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 3(1), 1-11
  71. Wojtasiewicz, L. (1996). Factors and barriers to local development in the current economic policy of Poland. In: Obr?balski, M. (ed.), Local and regional economy in theory and practice, Wydawnictwo Wroc?aw University of Economics.
  72. Zaaijer, M., & Sara, L. M. (1993). Local economic development as an instrument for urban poverty alleviation: A case from Lima, Peru. Third World Planning Review, 15(2), 128–142.
  73. Zhou, J. (2018). Status causes and countermeasures of environmental pollution in China?s rural tourism development. Nature Environment & Pollution Technology, 17(2), 543-549.
Share: Facebook
Author: admin

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *