The Potential of Small Tourism Operators in the Promotion of Pro-Poor Tourism

Abstract

South Africa, like many developing countries, views tourism as a panacea to the evils of poverty that bedevil the country's rural African communities. Whilst there has been substantial growth in the tourism sector since 1994, the anticipated benefits have not materialized for those most in need of an improved quality of life. Work undertaken in the field of pro-poor tourism focuses predominantly on the large tourism actors and their potential role in the alleviation of poverty through the development of sustainable supply chains and joint venture arrangements. The role that could be played by the myriad small operators, who collectively comprise the bulk of the South African tourism industry, has largely been ignored. This article argues that greater attention should be paid to the cumulative potential of small tourism operators to play a significant role in the alleviation of poverty through tourism to the mutual benefit of both operators and local communities.