Towards a framework for identifying and engaging rural tourism route stakeholders in southern Africa

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Towards a framework for identifying and engaging rural tourism route stakeholders in southern Africa
Authors:	McLaren, Linde Heath, Ernie
Year:	2013
Periodical:	Africanus (ISSN 0304-615X)
Volume:	43
Issue:	1
Pages:	18-32
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Southern Africa
Subjects:	tourism rural areas organizations
Abstract:	Several southern African governments view rural tourism development as a strategy for employment creation in rural areas where few other opportunities for poverty alleviation exist. On both the strategic and operational levels, rural tourism routes can only function effectively if they have the support and co-operation of the wide range of stakeholders in the route. While some stakeholders are readily identified, others are not immediately apparent or may not be recognized as stakeholders in the route. Based on a qualitative study, this article develops a framework to identify and link the range of stakeholders in southern African rural tourism routes. Three different groups of stakeholders are identified, namely demand-side stakeholders or visitors, core stakeholders or tourism service providers on the route, and enabling stakeholders, who influence both the route operations and the environment in which the route operates. Recommendations are made for rural tourism route organizations to engage with a range of stakeholders through an inclusive membership structure of the route organization. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]