An assessment of green practices in the Mpumalanga Panorama Route Tourism Amenities
In the face of pressing global challenges, such as climate change, economic recession, inflation, environmental degradation, and crises in fuel, food and water resources, the adoption of green practices has become increasingly important. The objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which green practices are adopted in tourism businesses along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route and how they align with Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent work and economic growth), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and 14 (Life below water). This study aims to shed light on how different stakeholders perceive and respond to the adoption, awareness and implementation of green practices to answer the key research questions: How do stakeholders perceive green tourism practices on the Mpumalanga Panorama Route? What specific green practices have tourism organisations implemented on this route? What are the roles of tourism stakeholders in implementing green practices? This study used a descriptive case study approach and collected data using a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative insights into stakeholder perceptions and green tourism practices. The Sustainability Competency and Opportunity Rating & Evaluation Framework (S-CORE) served as a tool to assess the sustainability efforts of tourism institutions and stakeholders. The results show that stakeholders along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route, including tourism operators, tourists, and government officials, generally have a positive attitude towards environmentally friendly practices. However, this positive perception is not consistently reflected in the implementation of green practices at tourism facilities in the region. Where green practices were observed, they were often inadequate, as indicated by the S-CORE rating. Although this level of performance is a step beyond the complete absence of green practices, there is room for improvement in these facilities. Despite significant gaps in the implementation of green practices along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route, the perceptions of tourists and government officials suggest a shared awareness of their role in improving sustainability. Consequently, this study offers recommendations aimed at promoting the implementation of green xxi practices along this route, with wider implications for the South African tourism and hospitality industry.
Green practices, S-Core, Mpumalanga Panorama Route, Tourism amenities, Stakeholder perceptions
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