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Are local communities participating in ecotourism projects? a study of four local municipalities

Author

Listed:
  • Fikile Xaba

    (University of Zululand)

  • Eyitayo Francis Adanlawo

    (North-West University)

  • Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo

    (University of Zululand, South Africa)

Abstract

A well-crafted ecotourism strategy that encourages the participation of poor rural communities could create opportunities for local communities’ residents. This study investigated whether the local communities are participating in the implementation of ecotourism projects. A mixed-methods approach was adopted in the form of interviews and questionnaires. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and ATLAS TI applications were used for data analysis, respectively. The findings indicate that community members had not been properly informed about ecotourism services across the four local municipalities, thereby, community participation in ecotourism activities was somewhat sporadic, inconsistent, and informal. An improved communication network is recommended to encourage local participation in ecotourism businesses.

Suggested Citation

  • Fikile Xaba & Eyitayo Francis Adanlawo & Nomusa Yolanda Nkomo, 2024. "Are local communities participating in ecotourism projects? a study of four local municipalities," International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), Bussecon International Academy, vol. 6(3), pages 266-275, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:adi:ijbess:v:6:y:2024:i:3:p:266-275
    DOI: 10.36096/ijbes.v6i3.492
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Lishan Xu & Changlin Ao & Baoqi Liu & Zhenyu Cai, 2023. "Ecotourism and sustainable development: a scientometric review of global research trends," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(4), pages 2977-3003, April.
    3. Sarasadat Makian & Farid Hanifezadeh, 2021. "Current challenges facing ecotourism development in Iran," Journal of Tourismology, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 7(1), pages 123-140, June.
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