Research Articles (Tourism Management)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/1684

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Exploring the use of visitor surveys as a tool for supporting EIA follow-up in protected areas : a case study of a conference centre in an iconic national park
(Taylor and Francis, 2024) Wessels, J.A. (Andries); Douglas, Anneli
Impact assessment (IA) follow-up is necessary to determine the environmental effects of a project or plan to inform ongoing management. No previous research confirms if visitor surveys may be used to this extent for developments within a protected. This paper explores if and how visitor surveys may be used as a tool for supporting EIA follow-up within protected areas. Relevant EIA documentation was appraised to determine EIA performance expectations for management of the Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre development in the Kruger National Park. Forty-four expectations were identified, translated into questions, and included in a survey scale. Eighty-nine conference delegates completed the survey where after an Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method was used to map the responses in four IPA map quadrants: 1. Possible overkill, 2. Low priority, 3. Q3 Keep up the good work, and 4. Concentrate here. The IPA map displays 29 items of statistical significance in the four IPA map quadrants with 12 items in the ‘Concentrate here’ quadrant. The IPA results mapped the need for management to concentrate on responsible building, waste, water, energy, compliance, awareness, cumulative impact management. The paper shows that visitor surveys may be used as a simple but effective tool for supporting EIA follow-up monitoring.
Millennials as potential creative tourists in South Africa : a CHAID approach to market segmentation
(Routledge, 2024) Douglas, Anneli; Hoogendoorn, Gijsbert; Richards, Greg
Creative tourism has recently emerged as an important area of tourism development, particularly in the Global North. In the Global South, studies of the profile of creative tourists and their motives for partaking in creative tourism are limited. This paper investigates creative tourism demand among South African millennials, analysing what motivates their participation and developing a descriptive consumer profile. CHAID analysis was used for segmentation, revealing a group with a high participation intention and a second group with a low probability of creative tourism participation. Creative tourism intentions were linked to knowledge acquisition, skills and escape motivations, and demographic characteristics including relationship status and gender. Respondents were more likely to participate in domestic rather than international creative tourism, indicating the potential for creative tourism development in South Africa. The findings could help managers and policymakers meet the needs of creative tourists, addressing shortfalls in product development, experience design and marketing.
Activities as the critical link between motivation and destination choice in cultural tourism
(Emerald, 2024-01) Douglas, Anneli; Hoogendoorn, Gijsbert; Richards, Greg
PURPOSE : This study aimed to determine the motivations of a select group of South Africans in terms of their potential engagement with cultural tourism; more specifically, the study set out to show whether these motivations influence the cultural activities that the tourists want to participate in and whether their interest in specific cultural activities determines their destination choices. Furthermore, the mediating role of activities in the relationship between cultural motivations and destination choice was also assessed. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : An online panel survey collected responses from 1,530 potential cultural tourists across South Africa. Hypotheses were tested, using structural equation modelling. FINDINGS : The results show that tourists' motivations for cultural tourism influence their likelihood of participating in specific cultural activities. Cultural tourism is shown to be influenced by more than learning and includes entertainment, relaxation, novelty and escape dimensions. There also seems to be a difference in the activities engaged in by destination type. For example, tourists likely to take part in indigenous cultural tourism activities are more likely to do so at hedonic destinations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : This paper contributes to the understanding of cultural tourism activities, aiding destinations in attracting cultural tourists. Destinations need to develop activities that match visitor motivations, increase satisfaction and encourage visitors to return. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The paper increases the understanding of cultural tourism in South Africa and underlines the importance of communities in providing distinctive tourism activities. The study also has an important social dimension, highlighting the role of social status in cultural tourism consumption and destination selection.
Work values, travel satisfaction, and organizational injustice as antecedents of corporate travel policy compliance
(University of Lodz, 2023) Douglas, Anneli; Weber, Mnandi; anneli.douglas@up.ac.za
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, business travel spending is expected to reach two-thirds of the pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Therefore, travel policies remain essential for reducing travel expenses and managing traveller behaviour. A significant challenge for a company is to ensure compliance with its travel policy. This study uses the equity theory and person-organization fit model to understand non-compliance with travel policies. Two hundred and five responses were collected from corporate travellers employed in South Africa via an online survey. The results revealed that work values and perceived organizational injustice could influence corporate travel policy compliance. This study is the first to investigate the influence of work values, travel satisfaction, and organizational injustice on unethical decision-making and behaviour in a corporate travel context.
Visitor information centres’ contribution towards creating memorable visitor experiences
(Africa Journals, 2022-10) Tlabela, Kholadi Ramadimetja Uriel; Douglas, Anneli; anneli.dougla@up.ac.za
Information exchange is a process through which information, experience and skills are exchanged among stakeholders. While studies acknowledge the role of VICs in enhancing memorable visitor experiences, it remains unclear how the experiences that visitors have at VICs contributes to the dimensions of Kim, Ritchie & McCormick’s (2012) Memorable Tourism Experience (MTE) (hedonism, novelty, local culture, refreshment, meaningfulness, involvement, and knowledge). The pur5pose of the paper is to ascertain whether the experiences that visitors have at VICs contribute to their memorable experiences at visited areas. The paper also intends to determine the factors in the VIC experience that are statistically significant predictors of visitors’ experience of the dimensions of MTE A total of 152 self-completed, structured questionnaires were collected from visitors to government-owned VICs in South Africa. The results show that the experience that visitors have at VICs contributes to the dimensions of MTE at visited areas. More specifically, vistors’ experience of VIC information quality, information resources, ICTs, staff knowledge and customer service contributed to the MTE at visited areas. The results are important in enabling VICs to create an environment that contributes to memorable visitor experiences at visited areas. They will help VIC managers to fulfill their enhancement and information provision function by delivering experiences in VICs that contribute to memorable experience at visited areas and in turn encourage visitors’ intention to revisit these areas.
Generating opportunities for tourism businesses through information exchanges with visitor information centres in South Africa
(Africa Journals, 2022-02) Tlabela, Kholadi Ramadimetja Uriel; Douglas, Anneli; Fairer-Wessels, Felicite A.
Information exchange is a process through which information, experience and skills are exchanged among stakeholders. While previous studies acknowledge that Visitor Information Centres (VICs) exchange information with various stakeholders, it remains unclear how this exchange contributes to economic opportunities for tourism businesses. The objective of the study is therefore to ascertain whether the information that VICs and tourism businesses exchanges contributes to economic opportunities. A survey was distributed to tourism businesses listed in the databases of government-owned VICs in South Africa. The results show that VICs and tourism businesses exchange information and that this exchange generates economic opportunities for businesses. The results also identify factors in the information exchange process that are predictors of economic opportunities. Based on the results, VIC staff should use the exchange of information as a platform through which they may generate economic opportunities for businesses. In their exchange of information, VIC staff should understand the information needs of tourism businesses and provide them with visitor-support information that is extensive, useful and according to their preferences. Consequently, staff can contribute to government’s plan of improving the lives of businesses in areas in which they operate.
Exploring creative tourism potential in protected areas : the Kruger National Park case
(Sage, 2022-11) Wessels, Jan-Albert; Douglas, Anneli; anneli.douglas@up.ac.za
Creative tourism strategies are often adopted by destinations as a result of its appeal to policy makers, without a serious assessment of tourists’ needs. Although there are significant cultural and heritage resources in and on the periphery of the Kruger National Park (KNP), these resources seem to be inadequately harnessed. The aim of the article is thus to explore the potential of creative tourism as a medium to harness cultural and heritage resources in the KNP by measuring the importance of local community (cultural tourism) elements to tourists when visiting the KNP. Convenience sampling is used to distribute questionnaires to tourists, and 201 responses are used in the data analysis. The results indicate that respondents have a neutral opinion regarding the importance of local community aspects, and recommendations are made to exploit the untapped potential for creative tourism. This study adds to the current debate on creative tourism by assessing its role in protected areas.
Travelling to the Motherland : relating acculturation to diaspora tourism experiences
(Routledge, 2020) Du Preez, Elizabeth Ann; Govender, Lynette Kumarivani; elizabeth.dupreez@up.ac.za
While India may attract international tourists with its mystique, different considerations come into play among Indian diaspora as potential travellers. Individuals’ levels of acculturation to their host country will arguably influence the extent to which ethnocultural elements form part of leisure travel motivations and desired experiences. With a long history of forced and free emigration, South Africa is used a case study to test these relationships through quantitative methodology. Results indicate that significant differences occur between three sub-groups. Levels of acculturation can potentially indicate the likelihood of sub-groups to engage with home country culture; give direction in experience design for the different markets; and identify complimentary diasporic tourism products. Recommendations for future research are presented.
Identifying the marketing channels that will attract millennials to national parks
(Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences at Texas AandM University, 2019) Douglas, Anneli; Mostert, P.G. (Pierre); Slabbert, Liandi Magdalena; anneli.douglas@up.ac.za
Millennials will soon become the biggest tourist group to be served because of their sheer numbers as well as their current and potential future income. At the same time, previous studies have shown a decline in national park visitation worldwide which necessitates an investigation into why these numbers are dwindling and how to attract different consumers to the Parks so that appropriate marketing and operational strategies can be drafted. The purpose of this paper was thus to identify the marketing channels that millennials are most likely to use, the types of information that they look for and the marketing methods that will inform and persuade them to visit a holiday destination, and more specifically a National Park. Six focus groups were held with millennials from different life stages, with findings showing that social media seems to be the most popular channel and marketing method to use. The research holds implications for destinations. Proactive participation in social media is needed and tourism marketers should consider how to incorporate millennials’ requirements into their general marketing plans and specifically their social media engagement.
The contribution of geological features to visitor experiences : comparison between two Geotourism attractions in South Africa
(University of Oradea, Romania, 2019) Du Preez, Elizabeth Ann; elizabeth.dupreez@up.ac.za
Geotourism offers the opportunity to promote geoconservation as well as an understanding of geoheritage and -diversity. Though sites may have high quality geological resources, visitors to these sites have varied interests and motivations to visit. As such, the geological features of an attraction may make varied contributions to visitors’ experiences. Understanding these differences will aid in determining how specific features should or could be enhanced to facilitate the most appropriate experience dimensions. Aspects such as the content, learning, visitor management and fulfilment are argued to be especially relevant in the geotourism context. This paper explores these perception in the case of two diverse geosites namely the Augrabies Waterfall and Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. Results indicate how specific geological features and representation thereof contribute differently to visitors’ experiences. Recommendations for future research are made.
Mobile business travel application usage : are South African men really from Mars and women from Venus?
(Emerald, 2019-09) Douglas, Anneli
PURPOSE : Research abounds highlighting the differences between males and females when they travel. Even in business travel, these differences have been acknowledged, with suppliers and marketers spending significant money to develop and market products to accommodate them. The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether differences exist in terms of mobile application usage between male and female business travellers. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A mixed method approach is followed. An internet-based survey is distributed and in-depth interviews conducted with South African business travellers. The Mann–Whitney U-test is used to test the differences between males and females and their mobile application usage. Content analysis is used to analyse the interviews. FINDINGS : The results show that mobile applications are perceived as more important by females than males in all the phases of the travel cycle, although most of these differences in perceived importance were not significant. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : Owing to the online data-collection method and the self-selective process, the findings cannot be generalised to the global population of business travellers who use mobile applications. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The results should caution corporate organisations, travel management companies and their application developers not to spend unnecessary technological and financial resources on developing applications to accommodate differences between males and females, which might not exist. Companies should rather spend money on developing applications that will enhance and add convenience to the business traveller’s experience. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The main contribution of this study lies in investigating the applications market, particularly in the context of business travel. Applications focussed on specific sectors of the tourism industry, such as business travel applications, serve business travellers differently from generic travel applications. This research examines business travel-specific applications and expands the scale and scope of the enquiry, concentrating on the travellers’ view.
The potential contribution of environmental impact assessment (EIA) to responsible tourism : the case of the Kruger National Park
(Elsevier, 2019-10) Pope, Jenny; Wessels, Jan-Albert; Douglas, Anneli; Hughes, Michael; Morrison-Saunders, Angus; anneli.douglas@up.ac.za
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and responsible tourism both aspire to contribute to sustainable development. EIA is the process of identifying, assessing and managing the potential impacts of new developments and is legally mandated in most countries of the world. Tourism developments are subject to EIA under South African legislation, which requires consideration of the full range of sustainable development objectives. This paper highlights the parallels found in the discourses of EIA and responsible tourism, identified through a focused literature review, and develops a framework comprising five characteristics that EIA should embody to maximize its contribution to responsible tourism. It tests the framework by evaluating three EIAs conducted in the Kruger National Park since 2011, when South African National Parks (SANParks) formally committed to responsible tourism. The evaluation process confirmed the utility of the framework and highlighted areas in which responsible tourism principles could be more explicitly reflected in SANParks EIAs.
Measuring Kruger visitors’ place attachment to specific camps
(AOSIS Open Journals, 2019-09-17) Douglas, Anneli; Wessels, Jan-Albert; Pope, Jenny; Morrison-Saunders, Angus; Hughes, Mike; anneli.douglas@up.ac.za
Tourists become emotionally, physically and socially attached to national parks as they become familiar with the park’s settings and endow it with value. Researchers have pointed out that place attachment leads to environmentally responsible behaviour and higher levels of visitor satisfaction. Therefore, increasing the level of attachment that visitors feel is vital for park and camp managers, and to do so a greater understanding of the various dimensions of it is needed. While attachment to parks has been evaluated previously, attachment to specific camps in parks has not been done. The main purpose of this research study was to measure the extent to which visitors to the Tamboti and Satara camps in the Kruger National Park feel attached to these camps. We also determined whether differences exist between visitors in terms of the level of attachment that they experience towards these camps. Finally, we established the variables that influence place attachment. A self-administered paper-based questionnaire was distributed to visitors to the Tamboti and Satara camps, with 201 questionnaires completed. The results show that visitors generally have a neutral feeling towards the camps. Furthermore, the differences in visitors’ levels of attachment could be attributed to their nationality, wild card membership and frequency of visits. Various managerial implications are drawn and recommendations made on how to increase place attachment to these camps. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS : This results indicate that visitors do not show particularly strong attachment towards Tamboti and Satara. Recommendations are given for camp managers to increase place attachment to the camps. If camp managers can succeed in fostering stronger levels of attachment to these camps, visitors are more likely to display environmentally responsible behaviour in the camps, with positive conservation implications.
The role of small and medium enterprises in development of tourism in a post-war context : the case of Angola
(Danubius University of Galati, 2018) Jacinto, Formosa; Du Preez, Elizabeth Ann
Post-war countries face a challenge in the process of re-entering the tourism market for several reasons. The damages caused by the violent war environment create the challenges of restoring their image, their economy and of asserting security. As a result, post-war countries have limited monetary resources for development. For this reason, they turn to tourism to help in their development and utilise Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the process to establish the foundations for tourism development. SMEs play an important role in the development process because they provide products and services and create jobs. This study explores the factors related to developing tourism in a post-war context, along with the importance of SMEs in this process. Angola is used as case study of a post-war country that has great potential, yet remains unable to compete effectively as an attractive tourism destination
To wish upon a star : exploring Astro Tourism as vehicle for sustainable rural development
(Routledge, 2020) Jacobs, Laeticia; Du Preez, Elizabeth Ann; Fairer-Wessels, Felicite A.
Tourism is regarded as a key sector through which to bring about sustainable development in rural areas. A suitable product offering should be identified that matches the rural area’s unique resources with market demand. The Karoo Rural Node in South Africa’s unique landscape coupled with hosting astronomy sites of global importance presents the ideal opportunity to develop Astro Tourism as niche offering. This paper explores the region’s state of readiness to harness this potential through describing existing visitors’ travel behaviour, experiences and expectations, alongside views from supply side stakeholders. Mixed methodology presents evaluations at the hand of an Importance Performance and a SOAR Analysis depicting the state of readiness. The paper describes how a unique experience such as Astro Tourism can be regarded as viable mechanism to bring about sustainable development in a rural context.
Business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications : a generational analysis
(Springer, 2018-04) Douglas, Anneli; Lubbe, Berendien Anna; Van Rooyen, Adrene; anneli.douglas@up.ac.za
Generational differences in the workplace, particularly in the area of technology usage, have become an area of increasing interest, both for academia and industry. Mobile travel applications have found a distinct role in business travel and support the business traveller at any stage of the travel cycle. The dynamic nature of the business environment, business travel and mobile technology requires research to ascertain the nature of the use of mobile travel applications by business travellers, how this usage differs between generations, and how these applications should be developed in future to meet the needs of the changing workforce. An internet based survey was completed by 232 business travellers with the results showing that mobile travel applications are currently more frequently being used by older generations than younger generations, but that younger generations are more likely to use certain applications in the future than older generations. This study answers the call by previous researchers for future research to focus on emergent transaction channels and communication platforms (such as mobile computing) that could affect different generations by providing a generational analysis of business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications. It should also assist managers in better understanding their travellers, especially in terms of their technology usage, enabling them to manage the company’s travel programme more effectively.
Trail accreditation as a mechanism to enhance hikers’ confidence during decision making
(Tourism Review International, 2017) Slabbert, Liandi Magdalena; Du Preez, Elizabeth Ann; elizabeth.dupreez@up.ac.za
Though regarded as a “soft” adventure activity, the growing popularity of hiking has led to increased documentation of associated risks and unfortunate incidents. Various systems are being used to facilitate adequate trail management to prevent risks, and information provision through accreditation systems provides a means to manage risk perceptions. However, little research has been done on the influence of accreditation systems on consumers’ decision-making and buying behaviour within the adventure tourism context. This study took a quantitative approach to measure the importance of and future intended response towards trail accreditation among a sample of 926 hiking tourists in South Africa. A hypothetical country-wide implementation of a case study accreditation system was presented to respondents. The study indicates safety-related information as one of the key components of an accreditation system. It also demonstrates a link between trustworthy information, accreditation, and future hiking participation through addressing perceptions of risk.
The impact of rhino poaching on tourist experiences and future visitation to National Parks in South Africa
(Routledge, 2019) Lubbe, Berendien Anna; Du Preez, Elizabeth Ann; Douglas, Anneli; Fairer-Wessels, Felicite A.; berendien.lubbe@up.ac.za
Wildlife tourism attracts substantial numbers of tourists worldwide with Africa as the major wildlife viewing destination earning the bulk of its tourism revenue from such tourism. Iconic animals, such as the rhino, are major attractions for tourists to South Africa who holds approximately 80% of the World’s rhino population. However, the rapid increase in rhino poaching activities has reached a crisis point and should the rate of poaching continue to increase Africa’s remaining rhino population will become extinct in the wild within 20 years. How this affects tourists and tourism is still largely unknown. This study shows evidence that rhino poaching and anti-poaching measures do impact tourism in the short term and could affect future visitation to Parks.
A skills development framework for sports tourism : the case of South Africa
(LAM Publications Limited, 2017-06) Du Preez, Elizabeth Ann; elizabeth.dupreez@up.ac.za
This study aimed to determine the education and training needs of the sports tourism industry. Multi-method research was conducted with South Africa as case study during 2013. Strategic documents of three national authorities, as well as relevant courses of 14 tertiary institutions were analysed. A sample of 24 participants from across the tourism, sport and sport tourism sectors were also interviewed. The research revealed no dedicated sport tourism management degrees, diplomas or certificates and a subsequent gap in the availability of higher level graduates with a combined understanding of both the sectors. Industry stakeholders identified a range of general and specialisation skills required. The importance of internships was highlighted, as well as that of volunteers which holds several challenges within the South African context. The roles of government, the private sector and sports federations are defined.The findings of the study present aspects important for considerations in the development of national strategy around skills development in the industry.
Determining the impact of information on rural livelihoods and sustainable tourism development near protected areas in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
(Routledge, 2017-04-26) Fairer-Wessels, Felicite A.
It is well known that tourism can bring problems for poor rural people in less developed countries. This paper describes a pilot study of five rural communities in the vicinity of or within a South African protected area, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Within the context of sustainable tourism development and the sustainable livelihoods approach, it explores whether access to information and to education and training has had impacts on the survival of these communities. The information provision role of governing authorities is also investigated regarding the preservation of the site and also for ownership and land claims. The results indicate that lack of access to relevant information can be a prime reason why rural communities cannot break out of the poverty cycle, and they suggest it is imperative to train and educate survivalist communities so that they can mobilise themselves economically, including through local tourism development. The demonstrated significance of lack of information provision, training and education represents a new contribution to the field. The study concludes that, where it is a matter of survival for rural communities, a sustainable livelihoods approach may be more appropriate and attainable than a sustainable tourism development approach.

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