Tourism policy and environmental impacts in Musina municipality: lessons from a case study of failure

Abstract

Purpose Musina municipality is one of the driest regions in Limpopo Province, South Africa. It is, like many rural communities within the country, a low-income area. Nonetheless, being embedded within the tourism-orientated landscape of the Vhembe district in Limpopo, it possesses the potential for community-based tourism. This study aims to review the perception and application of tourism development policy in the Municipality using primary and secondary data. The study discovered poor enforcement of tourism development policy paired with a substandard knowledge of sustainable and responsible tourism principles. Consequently, the negative environmental impacts of tourism activities had exacerbated. The study recommends a need for improved policy implementation and strategies to advance local communities’ livelihoods while also managing natural resources.

Views of utilizing sustainable tourism to improve community sustenance: a case study of the impoverished rural communities of Musina Municipality

“…The study has nevertheless provided a conducive platform for such a potential scheme from its findings. Its theoretical implications are consonant with Figure 4 White et al, 2006;Zamfir et al, 2017;Ramaano, 2021 Views of utilizing sustainable tourism correlating to vocation statuses in tourism management. Hence South Africa is not immune to such discrepancy.…”

“…The next section presents the study area and methods used. 1 for the location map (Ramaano, 2019(Ramaano, , 2021. Admittedly, Ramaano (2021) designated that the research area is affluent with Baobabs [Adansonia digitata], Marula [Sclerocarya birrea] and Mopani [Colophospermum mopane] trees.…”

“…1 for the location map (Ramaano, 2019(Ramaano, , 2021. Admittedly, Ramaano (2021) designated that the research area is affluent with Baobabs [Adansonia digitata], Marula [Sclerocarya birrea] and Mopani [Colophospermum mopane] trees. Besides, Pandey et al (2003) argued that there is notable reciprocity linking the physical characteristics and climatic conditions.…”

“…Cross-Tabulation Analysis and manual sorting of focus group discussions (FGDs) information were supplementary in both quantitative and qualitative data examines (Ramaano, 2019(Ramaano, , 2021. 2.3.1 Required data and their function.…”

“…3.5.2 All-inclusive view on the usages of significant plant, tree, and local resources for sustenance in the study area. According to Ramaano (2021), the study area currently lacks appropriate knowledge and commanding policy on indigenous species and resources for tourism and community advancement values. Hence, such a decent Policy would ensure maximum use of significant natural resources, such as trees and plants with tourism, cultural and heritage values in the study area.…”