Tourism and Community Empowerment: The Perspectives of Local People in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

ABSTRACT There has been an increase in research tourism and community empowerment. Yet, most of the research has denied local people an opportunity to be heard concerning their views and perspectives on tourism's ability to empower communities. This article examines the views and perspectives of local rural people in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe regarding tourism and community empowerment. In-depth interviews, direct observations and informal conversations were used to collect data from 43 local people in the province's four districts. The article argues that while tourism development in Manicaland empowers local people economically, socially, politically , and psychologically, signs of disempowerment are still visible. This research contributes to the alternative approach in tourism studies which seeks the perspectives, expectations and loved experiences of local communities.