TRANSFORMING TOURISM: BLACK EMPOWERMENT, HERITAGE AND IDENTITY BEYOND APARTHEID

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tourism is often promoted as an economic cure-all in the developing world. The 1990s have however witnessed a growing realisation that tourism offers anything but ‘quick fix’ solutions. Of particular importance in the context of this article, are the debates around how traditional cultures are marketed and commodified; debates which have particular relevance to South Africa in the post apartheid era. There exists a clear need to look beyond the obvious economic networks associated with the tourism industry to a deeper understanding of the issues of power, access and identity. To better understand the changes occurring within tourism in South Africa, this paper firstly examines the challenges of transforming tourism institutions to ensure black participation and empowerment. Thereafter the paper explores issues related to the representation of black culture and history in the heritage tourism industry. Focusing on two key examples, namely Kagga Kama in the Cederberg and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in the Cape Town docklands, the authors assess some of the challenges associated with the development of a more responsible and socially sensitive tourism industry in South Africa. Finally, the article examines the opportunities and constraints to tourism development in Cape Town's townships, questioning whether and how tourism can be practised in these areas to ensure that benefits reach locals without negatively impacting on their natural and cultural heritage.