Chapter 9 - Towards the Responsible Management of the Socio-cultural Impact of Township Tourism

Abstract

South Africa’s cultural resources post-1994 Traditionally, in terms of tourism, South Africa’s unique selling points have been scenic beauty, wildlife and climate. Before the first democratic elections of 1994, 30% of visitors came to South Africa for its scenic beauty, while 26% were drawn by its wildlife (Gauteng Tourism Authority, 2002; Lubbe, 2003). Yet, in the words of Goudie Khan, and Killian (1999, p. 24), with the demise of apartheid, “increasing emphasis has been placed on the role of township tourism as a catalyst for social change and healing in South Africa by the state, the private sector, and community organisations”. In similar vein, Lubbe (2003, p. 96) notes that “[a]fter 1994, 27% came to see the ‘new South Africa’, while 21% came to view our cultural attractions that is, 48% of tourists coming to South Africa with a cultural motivation.” In a more recent survey, the number of tourists whose motivation for visiting South Africa is cultural or socio-cultural has risen to 46% (Lubbe, 2003).