South Africa has the third highest number of recorded serial killers globally, with the United States of America and the United Kingdom having the highest and second highest per capita, respectively. However, while both countries have established a “serial killer tourism niche”, noted in the cases of Jeffrey Dahmer and “Jack-the-Ripper” attractions, South Africa has failed to do so as of yet. This dissertation sets forth to examine the latter industry lacuna, academically, from a uniquely South African context, and theorises a way to establish a globally competitive serial killer tourism attraction that will benefit the country on a local, provincial and national level, both economically and socially. This investigation used a case study-based research methodology within a qualitative research design to conceptualise and contextualise “serial killer tourism” as a sub-segment of the dark tourism phenomena at a hyperlocal level. Furthermore, this dissertation also provides an in-depth historical overview of dark tourism and explores this travel market segment in South Africa. Using this as a point of departure, this inquiry likewise provides detailed appraisals into ten dark tourism attractions globally, followed by discussing ten dark tourism attractions in South Africa. Subsequently, the detailed examination of these twenty dark tourism attractions is used to form the foundation of a unique ethical framework that can be applied to the establishment and operation of a serial killer tourism attraction in South Africa. Moreover, the social and economic feasibility and viability of the envisaged serial killer tourism attraction in question will be expounded upon. This study further provides readers with a glimpse into the largely specialised, yet underexplored, academic world of forensic psychology and the broader field of investigative sciences, including “tourism criminology”. The novel concept of safe fear – a space where tourists can safely interact with their fear of murder and their curiosity around the social phenomenon of serial killers – is also formulated and deployed. In this desktop study paired with critical thematic analysis of archival materials, along with secondary sources, it has been determined that the ethical establishment and operation of a serial killer attraction in South Africa will provide a unique context in which visitors/tourists are provided with an educational opportunity to satisfy their curiosity regarding the social phenomenon of serial killer. It was found that in the long- © University of Pretoria ii term such a touristic sphere would provide a unique environment (“safe space”) of victim commemoration to shift public focus from the serial killer to the victim. The latter which serves as the vocal point to the aforementioned hypothetical tourist attraction that will be unpacked in this dissertation. Show less

South Africa has the third highest number of recorded serial killers globally, with the United States of America and the United Kingdom having the highest and second highest per capita, respectively. However, while both countries have established a “serial killer tourism niche”, noted in the cases of Jeffrey Dahmer and Show more

This research explores transformative marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in eThekwini, with a focus on adapting to a changing travel and tourism market. The study emphasises the importance of destination image, branding, and competitiveness in attracting and retaining tourists. It assesses the rise and decline of eThekwini’s tourism development, identifying key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure; marketing and communication shortcomings; and socio-economic hurdles, including crime and safety concerns. The research further highlights the critical role of stakeholder management and governance in driving sustainable tourism growth. Drawing on international case studies and local contexts, the study proposes strategic interventions to reposition eThekwini as a competitive and appealing destination, leveraging its cultural heritage, natural attractions, event-based tourism, and modern tourism value chain. The ultimate goal is to foster a resilient tourism sector that can adapt to global trends while benefiting local communities economically and socially. Show less

This research explores transformative marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in eThekwini, with a focus on adapting to a changing travel and tourism market. The study emphasises the importance of destination image, branding, and competitiveness in attracting and retaining tourists. It assesses the rise and Show more

This study examined the role of Community-Based Tourism Initiatives (CBTIs) in addressing poverty and unemployment, assessing community participation, and evaluating associated benefits and challenges in Mkhuhlu, South Africa. A qualitative design was adopted, employing seven in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with residents, with data analysed through thematic content analysis (TCA). Findings reveal that CBTIs generate tangible benefits, including temporary employment, entrepreneurial opportunities, supplementary household income, and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, systemic barriers such as weak governance, lack of accountability, financial instability, exclusion from decision-making, and seasonal fluctuations significantly constrain long-term sustainability. In practice, CBTIs require a transition towards community-centred models that institutionalise transparent governance and equitable benefit-sharing. At the policy level, there is a need to strengthen institutional frameworks and foster inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships. The study contributes theoretically by applying Social Exchange Theory (SET) to a rural South African context, illustrating how trust, reciprocity, and perceptions of fairness shape community participation. Its broader value lies in underscoring governance and participation as decisive factors for transforming CBTIs into sustainable drivers of rural empowerment and resilience. Show less

This study examined the role of Community-Based Tourism Initiatives (CBTIs) in addressing poverty and unemployment, assessing community participation, and evaluating associated benefits and challenges in Mkhuhlu, South Africa. A qualitative design was adopted, employing seven in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions Show more

Digital transformation and innovation have become pivotal in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), which form the backbone of tourism destinations, particularly in South Africa, play a vital role in the sector's transformation and serve as a livelihood pillar, particularly in job creation and entrepreneurial development. Despite the increasing recognition of the need for digitalisation, many tourism SMMEs face significant barriers to effectively utilising digital technologies. As such, the study investigates the drivers for and challenges of technology adoption by SMMEs, using quantitative data gathered from tourism SMME owners through stratified, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Descriptives and multivariate tests were performed. The study highlights the prominent digital tools adopted, as well as their benefits and challenges. Findings revealed significant differences among tourism SMMEs’ perceived benefits driving technology adoption and challenges of using digital technologies by level of experience. The insights offer valuable guidance to develop targeted strategies that foster innovation, resilience and sustainable growth within the tourism industry. Show less

Digital transformation and innovation have become pivotal in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), which form the backbone of tourism destinations, particularly in South Africa, play a vital role in the sector's transformation and serve as a Show more

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of research on tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to outline future research directions for advancing the field. The study systematically reviewed 102 empirical articles, utilising a hybrid review approach that integrates the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4- SLR) guidelines with bibliometric theoretical frameworks. It also employed the Bibliometrix package in R for science mapping analysis. The findings indicate a rapid growth in research on the technology adoption of tourism SMEs over time. Thematic evolution mapping identified nine distinct themes, such as digital transformation, innovation, and marketing, thereby highlighting key trends within the research field. The study revealed theoretical, contextual, and methodological gaps in existing research and made recommendations for future research directions. By combining bibliometric methods with a longitudinal thematic evolution analysis of technology adoption among tourism SMEs, this study identifies future research avenues and practical strategies to inform stakeholders and policymakers in the tourism SME sector. Show less

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of research on tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to outline future research directions for advancing the field. The study systematically reviewed 102 empirical articles, utilising a hybrid review approach that integrates the Scientific Show more

This study was aimed at finding solutions and getting results that gave a clear narrative about technological improvements in the tourism industry. it wanted to resolve the problem and conclude on research's main aim which was the impacts of the 4IR on the tourism industry in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study was conducted around Thulamela Local Municipality as the tourism destination with the use of the Quantitative method. The sample of the study consisted of tourism businesses in TLM that depended on technology such as accommodation facilities and restaurants where the data was collected. The data collected was analyzed using a statistical analysis approach. It depicted that TLM as a tourism destination has encountered negative and positive impacts with the newly introduced Fourth Industrial Revolution. The analysis further shows that most employees are facing difficulties in terms of machinery. The analysis of data indicated that the majority of employees were not happy with the introduction of the 4IR in the tourism industry as the machinery seemed to be substituting them in the workplace. On the other hand, new companies are facing high competition because of the 4IR whilst other companies are getting more profit and customers because of the fast service machinery introduced by the 4IR. This research has shown that the tourism industry has accepted and welcomed the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution in TLM as many tourism businesses have adopted a new way of running their businesses. This study has indicated that as much as the 4IR was beneficial to the industry, employees were, however, dissatisfied with the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution due to their losing jobs. As such, the researcher concluded that the 4IR has impacted the tourism industry positively by benefiting the tourism establishments and negatively on employees because their jobs were under threat. Show less

This study was aimed at finding solutions and getting results that gave a clear narrative about technological improvements in the tourism industry. it wanted to resolve the problem and conclude on research's main aim which was the impacts of the 4IR on the tourism industry in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study was Show more

Tourist guiding is an important subsector of the tourism sector. In South Africa, tourism forms an important contributor to the economy and accounts for a large portion of employment. Tourist guiding has been seen as a mechanism for upliftment due to the relative ease of entering the sector. Despite this, transformation within the subsector has been relatively slow, particularly for women and the youth. This is concerning as the highest rates of unemployment in South Africa are among the youth. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to examine the potential opportunities, challenges, and barriers to transformation within the tourist guiding subsector, with an emphasis on previously disadvantaged groups. The study adopted a mixed-method research design, to ensure a holistic and in-depth investigation into the research topic. Given the large population of guides in the country, registered in alignment with the Act (3 of 2014), a quantitative approach using surveys was adopted to gather information from tourist guides. A mix of purposive and snowball sampling was used in disseminating an online survey link to tourist guides. Furthermore, to increase the response rate, data was also collected directly at key tourism attractions in the various provinces. A total of 434 usable surveys were collected. In addition, a qualitative approach was used to gain a deeper understanding of challenges to transformation, as well as, importantly, opportunities for transformation from an administrative and practical perspective. This was carried out in the form of in-depth interviews conducted with the provincial registrars of tourist guiding, as well as representatives of various tourist guiding associations, resulting in a total of 12 interviews. Findings from the surveys indicated that the tourist guiding subsector in South Africa is dominated by Black men between the ages of 35 and 44, highlighting issues of participation among women and the youth as has been previously noted. Most tourist guides operate within the culture-guiding category rather than adventure and nature, while Gauteng was the most represented province in terms of area of operation. These results are supplemented by those from the qualitative aspect of the study, where key findings emphasised the key role that the national and provincial registrars play in the cohesiveness of the subsector; in the achievement of the professionalisation of tourist guiding, given their ability to advance key aspects of transformation, as well as ensure that practical measures can be realised. Furthermore, the findings also point towards significant challenges that are faced by all stakeholders within the subsector, including tourist guides, registrars and associations – all of which act as inhibitors to the achievement of transformation in the subsector. Some of these challenges relate to the qualification of tourist guides, particularly in terms of costs and upkeep, registration and professionalisation of the subsector; administrative burdens; fragmented communication between stakeholders inhibiting transformation of the subsector. Also noted were issues surrounding awareness of the sector and how to become a tourist guide, particularly among the youths. Whilst key stakeholders have faith in the ability of the sector to be transformed and become a platform for career development among previously disadvantaged groups, there are many hurdles that need to be overcome before this can be realised. Additionally, the findings indicate a passion and willingness among all stakeholders to work cohesively to both grow and transform the subsector, thus providing a positive outlook for the future of the tourist guiding. This study adopted a mixed-method research design, to ensure a holistic and in-depth investigation into the research topic. Given the large population of guides in the country, registered in alignment with the Act (3 of 2014), a quantitative approach using surveys was adopted to gather information from tourist guides. A mixture of purposive and snowball sampling was used in disseminating an online survey link to tourist guides. Furthermore, to increase the response rate, data was also collected directly at key tourism attractions in the various provinces. A total of 434 usable surveys were collected. In addition, a qualitative approach was used to gain a deeper understanding of challenges to transformation, as well as, importantly, opportunities for transformation from an administrative and practical perspective. This was carried out in the form of in-depth interviews conducted with the provincial registrars of tourist guiding, as well as representatives of various tourist guiding associations, resulting in a total of 12 interviews. Preliminary findings from the surveys indicated that the tourist guiding subsector in South Africa is dominated by Black men between the ages of 35 and 44, highlighting issues of participation among women and the youth as has been previously noted. Most tourist guides operate within the culture-guiding category rather than adventure and nature while Gauteng was the most represented province in terms of area of operation. These results are supplemented by those from the qualitative aspect of the study, where key findings emphasised the key role that the national and provincial registrars play in the cohesiveness of the subsector; in the achievement of the professionalisation of tourist guiding, , given their ability to advance key aspects of transformation, as well as ensure that practical measures can be realised. Show less

Tourist guiding is an important subsector of the tourism sector. In South Africa, tourism forms an important contributor to the economy and accounts for a large portion of employment. Tourist guiding has been seen as a mechanism for upliftment due to the relative ease of entering the sector. Despite this, transformation within Show more

Accommodation grading systems, such as the Star Grading System in South Africa, are classification or rating systems used in countries worldwide. It provides quality assurance and a sense of legitimacy to the business benefitting both the supply and demand side of the sector. Given the continuous changes the sector faces, the pressure on the green economy, the expansion of technology and the changes in visitor and tourist needs, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) must effect these changes in the grading system. The study analysed the perceived impact(s) of the accommodation rating system on establishments’ service quality, improvement, and performance in South Africa from a demand and supply perspective. For the tourists and visitors, the influence of grading on travel decisions. For the graded establishments, perceptions related to relevance, application, and influence of the rating system on performance were important. Given the current trends in the tourism sector, the importance of sustainability, technology safety and security as critical elements in grading were assessed for both population groups. Quantitative research was conducted after a thorough desktop study. The online survey conducted on ProQuest resulted in 440 South African respondents, 384 German respondents, 384 Indian respondents and 384 respondents from the rest of Africa totally 1536 questionnaires. The online survey was distributed through the TGCSA database resulted in 186 (in progress) questionnaires. From the demand perspective, it was found that accommodation choice is mainly influenced by pricing and safety and security. Technology was identified as a quality attribute for graded establishments followed by sustainability and service levels. Specifically, the grading criteria should assess aspects such as food waste and recycling and these are predictors of accommodation decisions. From a supply perspective, graded establishments generally indicated being satisfied with the level of professionalism of TGCSA assessors and the grading criteria applied by the council. Critical aspects such as grading contributing to the legitimacy their establishments, provision of relevant industry information, grading being a necessity for accommodation establishments in South Africa, while conveying a message of quality and trust were indicated by respondents. Intriguingly, in line with the demand perspective, suppliers ranked the sustainability efforts of the establishment, technology availability at the establishment, as well as safety and security as significant quality indicators for contemporary accommodation establishments [ahead of more traditional aspects such as room quality and service levels of the establishment]. The findings show a convergence of consumer demand and supplier perspectives related to the influence and significance of technology, safety and security, as well as the green economy on the accommodation sector. Thus, the study has significant policy implications for the future and relevance of accommodation grading in South Africa. Show less

Accommodation grading systems, such as the Star Grading System in South Africa, are classification or rating systems used in countries worldwide. It provides quality assurance and a sense of legitimacy to the business benefitting both the supply and demand side of the sector. Given the continuous changes the sector faces, the Show more

Accommodation grading systems officially exist in many countries and globally, including South Africa, there are official star grading systems to classify tourism accommodation based on physical and qualitative criteria. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) plays a critical role in providing standardised ratings for accommodation establishments. However, in recent years, the tourism landscape has evolved significantly, driven by changing consumer preferences, emerging trends, and advancements in technology. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the grading system remains relevant and effectively serves the needs of both domestic and international tourists. This study examines perceptions of the influence and effectiveness of the tourism accommodation grading system in South Africa to provide insights into the relevance of the grading system and recommendations. A multi-conceptual theoretical framework is used, integrating institutional, quality management, diffusion and stakeholder theories. A mixed methods research design was adopted that includes desktop, quantitative (507 online and face-to-face interviews with consumers who used, were using or planned to use an accommodation establishment) and qualitative (30 purposively selected key informant interviews targeting 10 organisations, 10 graded establishments and 10 non-graded establishments) components. The results indicate support for accommodation grading (emphasis was placed on independence and credibility) and reviews/ ratings more generally. There was also some support that graded establishments are higher priced and higher levels of service quality and provision of amenities/ product offerings are expected. Most respondents did not regard the grading system as being very effective. The criteria used for grading are in alignment with factors deemed to be important by the respondents and key informants, with sustainability and transformational imperatives perceived to require greater attention. Issues were raised in relation to whether the criteria focused on ‘ticking boxes’ (the presence of attributes) rather than quality. Recognising the increased prominence of social media and ratings/ reviews, as well as diversity among accommodation establishments and considering niche/ non-conventional accommodation establishments in terms of type (such as Airbnbs) and location (specifically in townships and rural areas), were underscored. The need to consider multiple systems (including independent grading and reviews/ rating) that are complementary and institutionalising a monitoring and evaluation framework are key recommendations. Show less

Accommodation grading systems officially exist in many countries and globally, including South Africa, there are official star grading systems to classify tourism accommodation based on physical and qualitative criteria. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) plays a critical role in providing standardised ratings Show more

This study investigates the social impacts of tourism events on communities living in the vicinity of the event venues. It investigates perceptions of host communities on impacts of the events. The findings revealed that tourism events have both positive and negative impacts on host communities. The study uses the qualitative research approach which provides an opportunity to capture the richness and complexity of their experiences, which may not be captured by quantitative research methods. The study therefore, concluded that it is necessary to take necessary precautions when hosting events, especially in rural communities. The study concludes that the event should continue to be hosted because it helps the community to be able to generate income and creates employment for the local people as well as good business opportunities for local businesses. Show less

This study investigates the social impacts of tourism events on communities living in the vicinity of the event venues. It investigates perceptions of host communities on impacts of the events. The findings revealed that tourism events have both positive and negative impacts on host communities. The study uses the qualitative Show more