Investigating global strategies in the tourism sector to boost local economic development in Ugu district.

Abstract

e aim of the study was to investigate global strategies in the tourism sector to boost local economic development in Ugu District. Tourism can be a major tool to overcome economic challenges in poor communities as it simply requires the optimal use of the natural resources of the environment to create business opportunities, hence contributing to sustainable local economic development. Some economists argue that the tourism industry is one that can lead to the exit from financial crisis for a country and it can assist with sustainable development. The tourism strategies of Iceland, Republic of Ireland and South Korea all have a commonality of objectives, which aim to promote tourism to boost the economy. For the purposes of this research, purposive sampling was used to choose sample members according to their professional position, knowledge and expertise in tourism in Ugu district, resulting in a small sample size. The qualitative data collection technique using the mono-method approach of semi-structured interviews was used. This study found that some respondents, who are key-role players in tourism in Ugu district, had limited knowledge of tourism strategies of SCTA. LED practitioners of the municipalities of Ugu district were not responsible for the implementation of tourism strategies as this function had been delegated to SCTA. The implementation was also not monitored and evaluated by the municipality. This study recommended that the IDP, the LED strategy and the tourism Strategic framework should be implemented in its entirety, if there is to be sustainable economic growth and job creation. Strategic Tourism Practitioners should have skills and experience in sustainable tourism strategic development and implementation, that enable them to use the available tourism resources as economic drivers in Ugu District. The Political Leadership of the municipalities need to undergo intensive training on Tourism and LED as some Councillors were perceived to be reluctant to provide funding for tourism development projects.