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Residents and Stakeholder Opinions on Township Tourism in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Ronnie Donaldson

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa)

  • Tina Odinakachi Iirmdu

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa)

  • Musfiqah Majiet

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa)

  • Pauline Van der Spuy

    (Tourism Development, City of Cape Town 7100, South Africa)

Abstract

Township tourism has become more varied, offering a wider range of products, experiences and services. In this paper, we examine residents and stakeholders’ opinions on township tourism in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa; an area characterised by crime, unemployment, housing backlogs and poverty. Using a qualitative approach, this paper reports on empirical evidence conducted with key tourism stakeholders to understand some of their perceptions regarding township tourism development in Langa. Concerns about safety, poor infrastructure and a lack of interaction between tourists and the local community are raised by Langa residents and community leaders. Their dissatisfaction with tour guides and tour routes serves as a reminder of the need for more inclusive practices. While business owners are aware of the potential of tourism in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, deepening understanding and creating priceless experiences, they are constrained by perceptions of crime, a lack of tourist exposure to local establishments and the exclusion from decision-making processes. Despite these difficulties that township tourism faces, it is crucial to promote ethical tourism practices that put emphasis on genuine encounters and local community empowerment.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronnie Donaldson & Tina Odinakachi Iirmdu & Musfiqah Majiet & Pauline Van der Spuy, 2023. "Residents and Stakeholder Opinions on Township Tourism in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa," Geographies, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jgeogr:v:3:y:2023:i:4:p:39-742:d:1279720
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katrina T. Greene, 2023. "Being near the action: bed and breakfast and guesthouse entrepreneurs and the hosting of black South African domestic tourists in the Cape Town townships," Mobilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(1), pages 54-69, January.
    2. Jennifer Kim Lian Chan & Kamarul Mizal Marzuki & Tini Maizura Mohtar, 2021. "Local Community Participation and Responsible Tourism Practices in Ecotourism Destination: A Case of Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-18, December.
    3. Mauro Sarrica & Isabella Rega & Alessandro Inversini & Laura Soledad Norton, 2021. "Slumming on Social Media? E-Mediated Tourist Gaze and Social Representations of Indian, South African, and Brazilian Slum Tourism Destinations," Societies, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-17, September.
    4. Christian Rogerson, 2005. "Unpacking tourism SMMEs in South Africa: structure, support needs and policy response," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(5), pages 623-642.
    5. Ko Koens & Rhodri Thomas, 2015. "Is small beautiful? Understanding the contribution of small businesses in township tourism to economic development," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(3), pages 320-332, May.
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