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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Indicators of small town tourism development potential: the case of Fouriesburg, South Africa |
Authors: | Halseth, Greg Meiklejohn, Cathy |
Year: | 2009 |
Periodical: | Urban Forum |
Volume: | 20 |
Issue: | 3 |
Pages: | 293-317 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | South Africa |
Subjects: | economic development small towns tourism |
External link: | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12132-009-9064-y |
Abstract: | As small towns experience economic and social restructuring, many are pursuing tourism opportunities as one component of a more diversified local economic strategy. This paper is interested in the small town of Fouriesburg in South Africa's Free State. While the town was once a thriving service centre for a surrounding rural agricultural region, this traditional economy has faded. Given that the nearby town of Clarens has developed a substantial tourism economy, the authors pose the question of whether there already exist indicators that Fouriesburg may be poised for a similar change. These indicators include location within the urban field, timing within the tourist area life cycle model, differentials/opportunities in property values, and the role of real estate agents as 'gatekeepers' in directing investments. The findings suggest that, while Fouriesburg has potential for developing a tourism-oriented economy, many of the important policy and planning supports needed to assist with diversification are not yet in place. Bibliogr., note, sum. [Journal abstract] |