The potentials of rural tourism in the communities around Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Rural development remains an important matter to developing countries, particularly those with large rural communities with little economic activity, such as South Africa. Rural tourism has the potential to be a driver of economic development in the majority of rural areas. Rural tourism benefits the rural or local communities, which otherwise normally depends either on farming or on low-quality jobs, as well as on their revenues. Rural tourism includes a number of activities, services and amenities provided by farmers and rural people to attract tourists to their areas to generate additional income. This type of tourism has a potential to maintain a balanced and healthy economy by creating tourism-related jobs, revenues, and taxes, all while protecting and improving the destination's sociocultural, historical, natural, and built resources. This study, therefore aimed at assessing the potentials of rural tourism in the communities around Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP), which is situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study adopted a qualitative research method that hinges on the explorative and interpretive paradigms. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with the participants using interview and focus group guides. The total number of the participants were forty-four (44), where a total number of 20 semi-structured interviews with Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park management staff and owners/managers of tourism businesses were conducted; and three focus group discussions were made with eight (8) participants in each group (8 x 3 = 24). A method of data analysis called content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data (interviews and focus groups) collected from this study. According to the study, HiP and the surrounding communities were found with potential for rural tourism development due to their untouched natural beauty, rich wildlife species, and major cultural and historical features that attract a large number of tourists. Similarly, SWOT analysis was also performed to determine whether HiP and surrounding communities have potentials for rural tourism. The study revealed lots of strengths and opportunities, which could serve as platform for rural tourism development, however the management of weaknesses and threats is essential for success. The study recommends that there should be leadership commitment in driving the process of rural tourism development through capacity building: to train local residents, to assist in the development of business plans and the acquiring of funds to start their own businesses. The study also recommends that there should be an identification and the use of rural offerings as part of rural tourism products and services. Keywords: rural tourism, rural tourism resources, rural tourism capabilities, rural tourism strategies, rural tourism activities.
Rural tourism capabilities, Rural tourism activities, Rural tourism, Rural tourism strategies
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