The potential of the Bhambatha rebellion for cultural tourism development

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Date
1998
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Abstract
Heritage tourism is gaining widespread acceptance as a special-interest tourist attraction and as part of overall tourism planning. The tourism industry is discovering how the planned integration of historic, cultural and natural resources can help sustain local economics and contribute to a greater appreciation of each unique heritage. Heritage tourism is emerging as one of the most promising areas of economic development. Recent studies show that the single greatest motivator for travel in the 1990 is to understand culture. What has become known as 'heritage' attraction here is based on the history of the region, the buildings, historic monuments as well as traditional events and cultural performances. This study examines how the areas of Mpanza Valley and Ngome near Greytown, affected by the Bhambatha Rebellion of 1906, can develop heritage tourism. It also investigates how local communities can meaningfully participate in, and benefit from this unique feature of their culture. In order to put the investigation in perspective, the study briefly traces the events of the Bhambatha Rebellion and highlights important factors in heritage tourism planning and management. An investigative approach to the study was adopted. Six workshops and meetings were held with the Bhambatha Commemoration Committee. Other interviewees included officials from the Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism, the Greytown Museum as well as the Directorate for Arts, Culture Museums and Youth Affairs. Findings of the study indicate that local communities, government departments and agencies are already making attempts at tourism development within the region. In conclusion, the study found that there was a significant opportunity for tourism development and that the study area has the potential to attract local as well as overseas tourists.
Description
A dissertation of limited scope submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree coursework of Master of Recreation and Tourism in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Zululand, 1998.
Keywords
Heritage tourism--Kwa-zulu natal.
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