A Cross-Border Tourism Development Plan for the Middle Orange River
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THE KAROO RIVIERA: A CROSS-BORDER TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE MIDDLE ORANGE RIVER By JOHANNES LEON HATTINGH Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Central University of Technology, Free State Supervisor: Prof. A.J. Strydom Bloemfontein January 2016 © Central University of Technology, Free State DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENT WORK I, Johannes Leon Hattingh, ID number and student number , do hereby declare that this research project submitted to the Central University of Technology, Free State, for the degree DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION is my own independent work and complies with the Code of Academic Integrity, as well as with other relevant policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the Central University of Technology, Free State. It has not been submitted before to any institution by myself or any other person in fulfilment (or partial fulfilment) of the requirements for the attainment of any qualification. ________________________ _______________ SIGNATURE OF STUDENT DATE i © Central University of Technology, Free State SUMMARY The Karoo is a semi-arid region situated in the centre of South Africa. Comprising nearly 40% of South Africa’s land surface, it attracts more and more tourists due to its unique landscapes, people who inhabit it and fauna and flora. It straddles four provinces and five District Municipalities. Unlocking the full tourism potential of the Karoo is inhibited by the fact that this large area is managed by the different provinces and the different district municipalities – each with their own agenda for tourism development. The Orange River roughly forms the northern border of the Karoo. It comprises the Upper, Middle and Lower Orange River sections. This study focuses on the Middle Orange River and aptly names it the Karoo Riviera due to its yet unlocked tourism potential. The study area is divided by three provinces and three district municipalities – each with its own focus on tourism. In order for the study area to maximise its full tourism potential, the three provinces and district municipalities need to cooperate and focus on one single goal for tourism development. By coordinating their efforts and financial resources, the Karoo Riviera can grow to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in central South Africa. The aim of this study is to identify key factors for tourism development in the study area and draw up a tourism development plan to indicate how tourism can be developed and marketed. The research has indicated that currently no cross border cooperation is in place. The study proposes that cross border cooperation should be embraced whilst a Karoo Riviera Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO) should be established. The role of the DMO will be to act as “driver” for the implementation of the tourism development plan. Furthermore, the study emphasises that buy-in and support should be coerced from the public and private sectors, respectively. ii © Central University of Technology, Free State ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for the guidance, strength and insight that He has given me during the completion of my thesis. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Prof. Albert Strydom, for his guidance, encouragement, motivation, determination and commitment in assisting me throughout my study. I could not have done this without him. I would also like to thank my parents, who have encouraged me to further my studies, never failed to believe in me and provided me with the opportunities to do so. A special thanks to Prof. Desere Kokt for her support, words of encouragement, advice and for always believing in me. To Mareli and Leon, who constantly enquired about the progress of the study and added their voice of encouragement – a big thank you. The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) are acknowledged for their financial assistance throughout this study. iii © Central University of Technology, Free State TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENT WORK ..................................................................... I SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................. III TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................... IV LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... VIII LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................................................. IX LIST OF GRAPHS .............................................................................................................. X CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introductory remarks ............................................................................................ 1 1.2 Problem statement ............................................................................................... 5 1.3 Expected outcomes .............................................................................................. 5 1.4 Methodology ......................................................................................................... 6 1.5 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 8 1.6 Chapter classification ........................................................................................... 9 CHAPTER 2: AN OVERVIEW OF THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ........... 11 2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 11 2.2 Definition of a tourist ........................................................................................... 12 2.3 The definition of tourism ..................................................................................... 13 2.4 Definition of the term tourism development ........................................................ 16 2.5 The tourism development process in perspective .............................................. 19 2.5.1 Introductory remarks ........................................................................................ 19 2.5.2 The tourism planning process .......................................................................... 22 2.5.2.1 Study preparation ...................................................................................... 24 2.5.2.2 Determination of objectives ....................................................................... 25 2.5.2.3 Data gathering .......................................................................................... 26 2.5.2.4 Analysis and synthesis .............................................................................. 27 2.5.2.5 Policy and plan formulation ....................................................................... 29 2.5.2.6 Recommendations……………………………………………………………..29 2.5.2.7 Implementation and monitoring……………………………………………….30 2.6 Challenges to consider as part of the tourism planning and development process…………………………………………………………………………...........30 2.7 Summary……………………………………………………………………………….36 iv © Central University of Technology, Free State CHAPTER 3: INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL SUCCESS STORIES ON CROSS BORDER TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................ 38 3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 38 3.2 International cross border tourism development ................................................ 40 3.3 National perspectives on cross border tourism development in South Africa ......................... ……………………………………………………………………….50 3.4 Summary ............................................................................................................ 59 CHAPTER 4: TOURISM STRATEGIES IN THE FREE STATE, NORTHERN AND EASTERN CAPE IN RELATION TO RIVERINE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ................ 60 4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 60 4.2 National tourism strategies in South Africa ........................................................ 62 4.3 Regional cooperation in Southern Africa ............................................................ 67 4.4 Provincial tourism plans ..................................................................................... 71 4.4.1 Free State Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) Phase 2 Report 2013)…………………………..…………………………………………………...73 4.4.2 Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF)………………………………………………………………….……………………76 4.4.3 Eastern Cape Tourism Master Plan 2009-2014…………….…………….…..77 4.5 District tourism plans ……………………………………..…………………………… 81 4.5.1 Pixley ka Seme District Municipality ................................................................ 81 4.5.2 Frances Baard (IDP Review 2010/11) ............................................................. 81 4.5.3 Xhariep District Municipality ............................................................................. 82 4.5.4