Abstract
AbstractThis research assessed the local community's participation in protected area-based tourism planning at Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi. The assessment was based on the participatory planning elements from the community participation framework for protected area-based tourism planning. A qualitative research approach was applied, and both secondary and primary data sources were used. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results show that the reserve has a system that allows continuous local community participation in the planning process, with financial resources committed to support the process. Local people are represented by independent community-based organisations and traditional leaders during the planning processes. But the local communities have limited access to tourism information and tourism planning experts. The reserve also lacks an appropriate decision-making structure that can facilitate efficient flow of management decisions to local communities. There is need to empower local people and regard them as partners in the tourism planning processes so that they can influence decisions.
Highlights
The need to promote ‘the common good of society’ has led to advocacy of different forms of planning over the years
The discussion is organised based on the seven participatory planning elements from the community participation framework for protected area-based tourism planning, proposed by Bello et al (2016)
Collaborative outcomes in any planning process depend on mutual understanding and access to information regarding the issues under discussion (Gray 1989)
Summary
The need to promote ‘the common good of society’ has led to advocacy of different forms of planning over the years. With tourism being an important economic development sector, planning is mainly initiated to ensure that economic benefits and visitor satisfaction are enhanced and community integration and resource protection are improved (Rasoolimanesh et al 2017; Giampiccoli, Glassom 2021). When planning for tourism development, factors that influence tourism’s success should always be considered (Gunn, Var 2002; Lalicic, Onder 2018). These factors include the following: geographical relationship to markets, attractions and attractiveness, resources for development and stakeholder involvement (Gunn, Var 2002). As tourism mostly depends on cultural and natural resources, tourism planning further emphasises the protection of these resources
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
