The level of community involvement and participation in tourism developments in Dokodweni Area, KwaZulu Natal
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The South African government has identified rural tourism as a resolution to poverty, thus giving more attention to rural tourism. Intentions for this study were to find the level of tourism awareness in these rural areas. The study positively impacted on the local communities to find more information on tourism and to enhance their involvement and participation within the tourism developments of the study area. The study was conducted in a rural community of Dokodweni. Dokodweni area is located in the north coast of KwaZulu Natal under the Mandeni Local Municipality located within the iLembe District Municipality.
Literature reviewed highlighted that there are plenty of rural communities like Dokodweni that possesses significant tourism resources however have not been identified as tourist attractions. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the level of awareness amongst local community members on tourism knowledge, as well as their perceptions of tourism development in the area. This process helped to identify the gaps in the community’s understanding of tourism and lack of involvement and participation was identified as challenge. The participatory approach theory was used to generate questions and method of conducting research which was the mixed method. The key findings of the study where structured interviews were conducted to community authorities , izinduna and councillors was that programs and policies were to be developed to guide the community for better understanding of the tourism industry and the potential it has to be involved in tourism projects. Through the survey conducted from community members using questionnaires, it was evident that they did not fully participate in tourism developments. However, the community was aware of tourism developments that should occur. The community indicated that they are not informed of decision makings in the area of Dokodweni. The community indicated that they were not involved in tourism activities and not benefit from the local attractions because of lack of communication from local authorities.
The researcher therefore has recommended that the municipality officials and traditional authorities should introduce tourism campaigns of development to the community and should visit schools to promote tourism to learners. Furthermore, for communication, izimbizo, i.e. community gatherings or meetings ought to be called to expose communities to tourism products. The municipality officials have to conduct training programmes or workshops on specific skills required for tourism development. The trainings were to assist towards providing knowledge and understanding of the tourism industry.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Masters in Recreation and Tourism (MRT), Coursework to the Department of Recreation and Tourism in Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zululand, South Africa.