The last two decades, the frequency of international travel has doubled globally and few industries have prospered more than the tourism sector. However, the growth of global tourism has been considered problematic in terms of... [ view full abstract ]
The last two decades, the frequency of international travel has doubled globally and few industries have prospered more than the tourism sector. However, the growth of global tourism has been considered problematic in terms of sustainability, especially as many vulnerable regions and communities are affected negatively by its consequences. The share of global tourism has increased for African destinations the last decades. Among these, South Africa has become the most popular destination since the end of the apartheid regime in the mid-1990s, and the tourism sector continues to grow. The aim of the study is to explore the incentives and manifestations of sustainability in global tourism, primarily through the consumption and communication of sustainable aspects in safari lodging and tours in private game reserves in South Africa. Moreover, the study's empirical data, including observations and interviews, will shed new light on the incentives for stakeholders in the tourism sector to engage in and communicate sustainable practices. In the present sub study the research questions to be answered in order to fulfil the aim, are focused on how 'responsible travel' can be manifested in tourism at safari lodges in South Africa, and for whom sustainable tourism is a responsibility. In a coming sub study in situ in South Africa, focus will be on how safari lodges in South Africa do marketing themselves in order to be perceived as sustainable, and how safari lodges in private game reserves are cooperating with local communities. The study is using an interpretative approach. The empirical data is gathered through participant observations. In this sub study, data has been collected in situ in Sweden, mainly during an educational program in ‘responsible travel’ offered by the NGO network Schyst Resande. Background data has also been gathered at seminars and workshops on South Africa, globalization, politics and tourism; promotion events of South African safari lodges; as well as fundraising events of philanthropic foundations with activities in Southern Africa. In response to the unsustainable concerns of tourism, a development of sustainable, eco- or alternative tourism have emerged since the Bruntland Commission’s report on sustainable development. Sustainable tourism is defined as meeting the needs of the present tourists and local host communities and regions, while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is highly relevant to study tourism in South Africa from a sustainability perspective. The South African government was relatively early in 2002, at the year of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, to introduce a manual on responsible tourism for the tourism sector. Furthermore, several internationally wellknown luxury safari lodges are situated in private game reserves in South Africa, and some of these work in close relationship with local communities. However, more empirical research is needed to understand how these relationships are negotiated, managed and communicated. Results from this study indicates there is a distinct focus in sustainable tourism to encourage consumers to promote fair working conditions, to be thrifty in their water and energy consumption, as well as to show respect for local values and customs. Concluding, consumers are adviced to consume local products and services in order to promote consumption at the site in order to enrich local communities and contribute to solving problems.
Keywords: sustainable tourism, responsible travel
10a. African perspective on governance, partnership and sustainable development
