Dark tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism industries around the world, inextricably linked to museums with dark pasts. These museums are attractions and destinations associated with death, tragedy or suffering, and highlight some of the darkest human histories. For decades, much research on dark tourism in South Africa has focused on Robben Island as a prison that is most notorious with detailed literature. However, a lesser-known unique museum serves as a dark tourist destination in South Africa’s capital city. The Kgoši Mampuru II Museum (referred to as the Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area), formerly the Pretoria Central Prison, is a museum with a dark heritage that interprets the tragedy that took place during the apartheid regime. This paper gives a brief historical background of the Kgoši Mampuru II Prison and includes the major political execution that took place from 1961 to 1989 during apartheid. The paper examines the operation of the South African Department of Correctional Services and how it managed to convert this Pretoria-based prison into a museum, on the premise that it remains a current correctional centre for prisoners. It remains unclear how the transition from prison as a site of capital punishment developed into a museum. This paper explores these challenges and discussions from a dark tourism and museum experience perspective. Conclusions suggest that this research has the potential to occupy a critical niche, since prison museums, as a form of dark tourism, are largely unknown and can fill a major gap in South African museology. Show less

Dark tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism industries around the world, inextricably linked to museums with dark pasts. These museums are attractions and destinations associated with death, tragedy or suffering, and highlight some of the darkest human histories. For decades, much research on dark tourism in South Show more

At the end of 2019, a new crisis emerged in the world - COVID-19 - which literally devastated the tourism industry worldwide. In order to try to minimise the spread of COVID-19, the government implemented a strict national lockdown, but this unfortunately had a negative impact on many sectors within the tourism industry. In the light of this, many scholars argued that technology such as virtual reality (VR), would contribute to the recovery of tourism. This article considers this phenomenon by filling a gap in the literature regarding the role of VR in the tourism industry in the global South by focusing on South Africa. The key question that arises, namely can VR save tourism in South Africa in the wake of COVID-19? To address this question, the study uses three methodological approaches: case studies, a conceptual research method and open-ended interviews. The results from the study showed that VR offers tourism numerous benefits, but at the same time poses a threat to the industry. Despite this, the study concludes that VR cannot save the tourism industry in South Africa currently as it faces certain critical obstacles in this context. Show less

At the end of 2019, a new crisis emerged in the world - COVID-19 - which literally devastated the tourism industry worldwide. In order to try to minimise the spread of COVID-19, the government implemented a strict national lockdown, but this unfortunately had a negative impact on many sectors within the tourism industry. In the Show more

Tourism is an important economic sector in many countries worldwide. Many governments are placing a higher priority on tourism development because it leads to increased foreign exchange income and creates employment opportunities. However, the tourism sector is prone to both natural and human-made crises and risks, which invariably affect the functionality, sustainability, and competitiveness of a destination. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis of the tourists' perceptions of crises and risks affecting the tourism sector in Durban. The paper used a mixed-method through the use of surveys and direct interviews with a sample of local, regional, and international tourists and key informants in the tourism sector within Durban. The results show that the level of risks in the city is perceived to be high and was found to have a significant impact on destination decision- choices. First-time visitors might be discouraged by mediatised risks. However, repeat visitors were likely to visit Durban since they were more conversant with the local conditions. Domestic tourists were likely to visit the destination since they have various mechanisms at their disposal to deal with perceived risks than first-time visitors. Furthermore, the results indicated that tourists are resilient to negative media coverage of risks. The study concludes that several factors influence the image of a destination, so tourist visitation cannot be affected by crises and risks alone. The study recommends a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate the impact of crises and risks on the destinations. Show less

Tourism is an important economic sector in many countries worldwide. Many governments are placing a higher priority on tourism development because it leads to increased foreign exchange income and creates employment opportunities. However, the tourism sector is prone to both natural and human-made crises and risks, which Show more

The COVID-19 pandemic is catalysing changes in consumer demands as well as necessitating a paradigm shift for research on tourist behaviour and decision making. The aim of the study is to examine how niche tourism may be leveraged as part of the tourism sector’s recovery plan to rejuvenate supply and ignite demand post COVID-19. One specific niche, namely rural tourism, is investigated in detail. The COVID-19 crisis forces a renewed attention on both the potential opportunities and challenges of different spaces for rural tourism development in South Africa and of the need for evidenced-based research to inform future policy developments. This was undertaken in three case studies of rural tourism in Limpopo Greater Giyani Local Municipality; in Mpumalanga Thaba Chweu Local Municipality and in Eastern Cape Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Four key findings are observed. First, geographical variations exist in relation to the character and challenges facing rural tourism. This underscores the need to conceptualize and plan for rural tourism spaces in terms of (at least) three categories of fringe, in-between and remote/exotic. Second, is the poor and unsupportive institutional environment for rural tourism development in all case study municipalities. The research points to an environment for rural tourism which is dominated by considerable mismanagement and local government shortcomings as underlined by the fact that all three case studies are run by local governments classified by the Department of Cooperative Governance as “distressed and dysfunctional”. Three, the devastating impacts of COVID-19 for the tourism economies of all three local municipalities are apparent with a dramatic reduction within one year in the contribution of tourism to local GDP because of COVID-19 impacts. Four, the findings underscore the imperative for stimulating a recovery in tourism into these areas for promoting local economic development. Additionally, they point to evolving a policy framework for rural tourism revival which is not a one-size-fits-all policy but anchored on the nuances and challenges of (often) markedly different rural tourism spaces. The report presents findings based on 70 interviews. Beyond COVID-19 issues the major challenges facing the growth of rural tourism surround the chronic shortcomings of local government. Tourism business activities are constrained by the infrastructural deficiencies which are experienced by these businesses. The failure of local government to address the improvement and basic maintenance of roads, local water supplies or provide street lighting and signage are fundamental issues of concern for stimulating rural tourism in these areas. Local tourism businesses highlighted a number of interventions and support needs from government, such as financial support, improved marketing and enhancing local Tourism Information Centres. Arguably, such potentially useful support measures can only be impactful if undertaken in parallel with or following addressing the infrastructural shortcomings which are as a result of the inadequate performance of local government. In final analysis the report offers several key conclusions and recommendations relating to rural tourism. Show less

The COVID-19 pandemic is catalysing changes in consumer demands as well as necessitating a paradigm shift for research on tourist behaviour and decision making. The aim of the study is to examine how niche tourism may be leveraged as part of the tourism sector’s recovery plan to rejuvenate supply and ignite demand post Show more

The study aimed to re-examine perspectives on the recovery of South Africa’s domestic tourism in a COVID-19 environment; stipulating the aim and objectives. There is consensus about the role of domestic tourism in the tourism sector’s recovery post the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A multi-conceptual theoretical framework (sustainable tourism development approach and ecosystem-based operational model) permits an examination of complex systems and phenomena (such as tourism) that have multidimensional as well as demand and supply-side aspects and impacts that are influenced by environmental, political, economic, and social factors. A desktop study informed the research that focused on key thematic areas: domestic tourism and the COVID-19 pandemic context and trends, domestic tourism responses to the pandemic, challenges for reigniting domestic tourism, innovative responses that are emerging and recommendations that are evident. In terms of the methodological approach adopted, national online surveys as well as face-to-face surveys in purposively selected cities/ towns (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Kimberly and St Lucia) were conducted with tourism service providers (406 completed) and the general public (1 034) completed, examining supply-side and demandside/ travel behaviour patterns and perspectives, respectively. The results indicate South Africa has numerous wellestablished tourism destinations, products and resources available to rebuild a viable and strong domestic tourism sector; including internationally recognised coastal and marine, nature conservation sites and cultural tourism products. Additionally, while most South Africans generally have little, if any, disposable income; there is a sufficient proportion of the population who have discretionary income and many South African residents in this study exhibit a desire to participate in tourism activities. Thus, effective targeted marketing and providing incentives/ packages to promote domestic tourism will be critical to unlocking the potential to encourage travel and pent up demand. There are differences in tourism service provider impacts linked to type of tourism activities involved in, number of years operational, number of employees, turnover and provincial location. In relation to travel preferences, key influential factors are population group, age, income level, employment status, educational level, household size and the location of place of residence. The SWOT analysis details the strengths and opportunities as well as the weaknesses and threats that need attention. The results indicate that tourism service providers involved in customer-dependent activities located in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal with lower turnovers, a smaller number of employees and operational for fewer years are more vulnerable to pandemic impacts and are likely to take longer to fully recover. Government and the private sector need to work together to develop affordable and quality domestic tourism products/ packages and services for local consumption while transitioning the tourism sector to be sustainable and resilient to deal with future disruptions. A framework for embracing an ecosystem operating model is proposed highlighting four key steps: re-evaluate, reconfigure, respond and stimulate domestic tourism demand. The importance of timely research with appropriate monitoring and evaluation is also underscored. Show less

The study aimed to re-examine perspectives on the recovery of South Africa’s domestic tourism in a COVID-19 environment; stipulating the aim and objectives. There is consensus about the role of domestic tourism in the tourism sector’s recovery post the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A multi-conceptual Show more

Urban tourism has become an important sector within the global tourism industry as it is able to serve a range of tourists, satisfy their needs, and exceed their expectations. The urban environment usually is seen as “standing alone” with regards to the operational aspects of tourism, however, it has become increasingly recognised as an integral part of the tourist experience. With this in mind, the City of Cape Town has become an increasingly popular urban tourism destination on the African continent. The City of Cape Town’s unique geographical location and history has had a significant influence on its tourism industry and contributed to the development of various tourism sectors, each with their own attractions and experiences in and around the city. As a result, urban tourism in all its facets increased the City of Cape Town’s share of the global tourism industry and made it a more attractive domestic and international urban tourist destination largely in part to the public-private partnership between the City of Cape Town (municipality) and Cape Town Tourism (official marketing organisation for Cape Town). Cape Town Tourism has also been invited to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to serve on the Destination and Business Council and present this public-private tourism model at its annual general meeting. Consequently, the immense diversity of Cape Town’s tourism sectors and its tourism model has contributed to its popularity as an urban tourism destination with an exemplary urban tourism product that could be adapted and transferred to other African cities. Show less

Urban tourism has become an important sector within the global tourism industry as it is able to serve a range of tourists, satisfy their needs, and exceed their expectations. The urban environment usually is seen as “standing alone” with regards to the operational aspects of tourism, however, it has become increasingly Show more

Urban tourism has become an important sector within the global tourism industry as it is able to serve a range of tourists and contribute to the local economy. The urban environment usually is seen as “standing alone” with regards to the operational aspects of tourism, however, it has become increasingly recognised as an integral part of the tourist experience. Within this context, this study set out to investigate the phenomenon of urban tourism and its impact in both the City of Cape Town, a coastal urban destination and legislative capital of South Africa, and the City of Tshwane, an inland urban destination and administrative capital of South Africa. Hence, this study will focus on both capital cities’ respective tourism industries, initiatives and strategies. Through this, it aims to identify criteria and actions implemented in each local case study for comparison and evaluation in order to determine whether the City of Cape Town’s approach to tourism development can be considered as a sustainable urban tourism development model for the City of Tshwane. Show less

Urban tourism has become an important sector within the global tourism industry as it is able to serve a range of tourists and contribute to the local economy. The urban environment usually is seen as “standing alone” with regards to the operational aspects of tourism, however, it has become increasingly recognised as an Show more

This chapter focuses on a case study in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, home to one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world, the //Khomani San. It will explain how a strategy can be developed to engage with, while at the same time monitoring the inclusion of ISTs within the tourism domain. Besides creating a procedure to incorporate these community voices into the tourist experience, the relationship is addressed between ISTs, tourist guides and tourists. It will argue that a mutually beneficial relationship needs to be in place for the effective involvement of ISTs in the broader heritage tourism realm. This will transform the tourist experience and understanding and enhance the position and place of the indigenous community within the heritage tourism sector in a sustainable manner. Show less

This chapter focuses on a case study in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, home to one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world, the //Khomani San. It will explain how a strategy can be developed to engage with, while at the same time monitoring the inclusion of ISTs within the tourism domain. Besides creating Show more

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the global tourism industry. Evidence indicates that the recovery will need to be both different and innovative, especially from a product (supply) point of view given the renewed attempts to increase tourists (demand) to destinations. This research report argues that the pandemic has inevitably become the catalyst to compel the tourism domain to reconsider, redefine, reimagine, reignite and reinvigorate the sector in ways that have not been conceived of before. In essence, this amounts to what we term the “remodelling” – in other words radically and fundamentally changing and altering – tourism. From a practical point of view, there is a general consensus globally that the “restarting” of tourism within this prevailing environment needs to turn to the local domestic tourism domain as the starting point. In order to elevate domestic tourism it is argued that the focus needs to be on the product (supply). The key concern of this research report is therefore to devise a manner in which the product within the context of the domestic tourism market in South Africa can be remodelled within a COVID-19 environment. This study focuses on a novel approach to the actual product within the local domestic domain. This remodelling honed in on encouraging and stimulating the development of a tourism product that takes into account other dimensions and aspects that were not conventionally regarded as part of the tourism offering. By focussing on the product, this research argues that you can remodel the supply in order to have a knock-on effect in terms of demand at a local or domestic level in order to resuscitate tourism. It is within this South African domestic tourism ambit that Show less

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the global tourism industry. Evidence indicates that the recovery will need to be both different and innovative, especially from a product (supply) point of view given the renewed attempts to increase tourists (demand) to destinations. This research report argues that Show more

The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused unprecedented socio-economic impacts and, at the same time, raised awareness of the role social and environmental sustainability needs to play in our everyday life and economic activities. Despite the significant negative impacts of the pandemic on tourism in South Africa, the crisis provides an opportunity to transform value chains towards responsible consumption and production needed for a sustainable and inclusive recovery of the sector. Rural tourism is ideally placed to respond to this. With our unique, diverse and unspoilt rural areas there are a wealth of opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises to grow and develop sustainable tourism products in rural contexts. However, in doing so, tourism growth in rural areas needs to be decoupled from the depletion of natural resources and contribute towards livelihoods and wellbeing of communities through the growth of local economies. Within the rural tourism sector, local economic development and environmental protection should not be seen as opposing forces—they should be pursued together as aspirations that can and should be mutually reinforcing. The purpose of this study was to systematically gain an understanding of the rural tourism value chain to identify transformation opportunities for a sustainable, resource efficient and inclusive growth path post COVID-19. The study involved mapping the rural tourism value chain by identifying all the economic activities and the associated tourism enterprise service providers that lead to value creation. Further to this, the interconnected value creation relationships between the varies rural tourism activities were identified followed by the interconnected relationships that lead to socio-economic value and environmental concerns. This whole value chain analysis provided an understanding of how value is pervasive throughout the rural tourism value chain specifically the implications of this value on rural communities and the environment. Lifecycle inventories that investigated the components of each value creating rural tourism activity, enabled the identification of all the social and environmental aspects of the services provided by the rural tourism service providers. Secondary data was then used to identify hotspots (priority areas) in the value chain specifically in terms of resource use, emissions and effluents, and solid waste. The hotspots on the rural tourism value chain include: greenhouse gas (GHG) emission from vehicles travelling to and around rural areas; use of energy in rural tourism products; sourcing of food and beverage; food waste; lack of capacity in waste infrastructure to deal with solid and hazardous waste; water use; and unsustainable harvesting of natural resources. Strategic interventions that support the sustainable transition of these hotspots were determined. These interventions include aspects promoting efficient use of natural resources, SMME development and inclusivity. The strategic interventions which include short, medium and long-term priorities will need to be developed into a transition framework for action. Show less

The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused unprecedented socio-economic impacts and, at the same time, raised awareness of the role social and environmental sustainability needs to play in our everyday life and economic activities. Despite the significant negative impacts of the pandemic on tourism in South Africa, the crisis Show more