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An Assessment of the Factors Influencing Tourist Willingness to Participate in Agritourism in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Motlalepule John Seema

    (Department of Crop Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Uwe Peter Hermann

    (Department of Tourism Management, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Grany Mmatsatsi Senyolo

    (Department of Crop Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

Abstract

Agritourists are considered tourists who visit rural destinations and consume goods and services associated with agriculture. Agritourism providers offer goods and services in the form of educational, recreational and nature-based activities for tourists. The study aims to examine the factors influencing tourists’ willingness to participate (WTP) in agritourism. Convenience sampling was used to conduct a face-to-face interviewer-completed survey with 300 respondents visiting selected tourist attractions in the Mpumalanga province. Using a probit model, the study found that countries of origin, educational experiences, agritourism activities, learning about farming, social media, and customer service positively influenced tourists' WTP for agritourism. Whereas paying for agritourism activities was found to be negatively influencing tourists’ WTP. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the provincial government collaborate with tourism authorities and service providers to formulate a dedicated agritourism strategy to encourage tourists to participate in agritourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Motlalepule John Seema & Uwe Peter Hermann & Grany Mmatsatsi Senyolo, 2026. "An Assessment of the Factors Influencing Tourist Willingness to Participate in Agritourism in South Africa," Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Studies, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Doctoral Field Engineering and Management in Agriculture and Rural Development, issue 2, pages 167-185.
    • Handle: RePEc:ddj:ejards:y:2026:i:2:p:167-185
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2026.2.12
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    References listed on IDEAS

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