The development of Lilani Hot Springs : an analysis of socio-economic and environmental impacts.

Abstract

Tourism development in remote areas of South Africa is often being proposed as the solution to poor

rural communities' development needs. However, experience indicates that tourism development can

result in a negative impact on a community's culture and way of life. The issue of sustainable

development and what it means sets a base in which the research looked at tourism in rural areas. The

case study on the impact ofthe redevelopment ofLilani Hot Springs as a tourist resort focusses on both

the people and environment. The historical context ofthe hot springs, their discovery, development and

the demise ofthe old resort is investigated. This was undertaken so that lessons learnt from the past can

be taken into consideration with the future development of the resort. This study has included

investigating the viability and sustainability of such a tourist resort in the Umvoti Magisterial District

and in a rural environment. By focussing on the Lilani community, this research project explores the

key factors which have been identified as essential if long-term sustainable tourism is to be achieved

in remote rural communities. An appropriate planning approach which stresses local participation and

decision-making within the context of a holistic strategy for community development is subsequently

proposed. Tourism has the potential ofprotecting the environment while providing social and economic

benefits to the local communities. Clearly ifthe socio-economic needs ofthe local community in which

a tourism development is set are not addressed, it will not succeed but ifthe natural environment, which

is the very asset on which the tourism development is dependent upon, is not protected the resource

which is the source of attracting tourists will be destroyed.