sustainable tourism - some realities and lessons learned about tourism in rural areas - dr merida...
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Lessons learnde from Kokstad - development of Rural Tourism. How to go about it and how to be inclusiveTRANSCRIPT
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Some realities and lessons learned about Tourism for Rural Development
Dr Merida Roets, Scientific Roets (PTY) Ltd,
Kokstad, KZN
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The Challenge• Generating income from tourism..• In VERY far-flung places…• Where there is nothing much to see except
rolling hills and farmland…• And deep poverty….• Poor roads and services, many power
outages• No shopping, no beaches, no thrilling
rides……..• Where tourism is generally business tourism
– i.e. reps during the week
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Two case-studies
• Mount Fletcher – AmaBhaca Craft Market• Capitalised on:
• Position next to main thoroughfare (N2),• Local craft talent• Well-organised group• Local cultural context (Bhaca)
• Kokstad - The Encounter East Griqualand Country and Garden Festival• Capitalised on:
• Beautiful gardens• Progressive agriculture• Interesting cultural context (Griqua’s)• Well-organised
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Ama-Bhaca Craft Market
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Ama-Bhaca Craft Market
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Lessons learned
• Strong, inclusive leadership is crucial• Avoid local politics (traditional, male/female,
elders/youth)• Draw on business experience• Train, train, train• Iterative visits• Never underestimate or overlook the local
market and the local knowledge
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Encounter East Griqualand
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Encounter East Griqualand
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Lessons learned
• Avoid local politics (gossip, cliques, small-town mindedness)
• Strive for inclusivity (cultural, interests, environment, authorities)
• Draw on business experience (and sponsorship)• Don’t neglect the local market• Market the event nationally (Festival “groupies”
exist!!) and use social media…..
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Conclusion - Keep in mind• If there has never previously been tourism, there are few local skills to draw
from (no craft talent because previously no market or outlet)• It helps if the local municipality is involved (emergency support, services) –
BUT, don’t let their apathy ruin your enthusiasm• Shocking roads!• Limited human resources – your organisers are often also your visitors!!• Difficult to get people to commit to committee work• Small-town thinking (think global, act local – Really?!)• Don’t think people will work together well if they’re random strangers
lumped together – group cohesion is crucial• Small towns often do not have public amenities (toilets!)• Distance is a killer – VERY difficult to overcome – make events multi-
functional• “Rural” need not only be “cultural” – include nature, music, food, agriculture
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Conclusion
Visit us!!
(Directions: Turn right at the 3rd Underberg off-ramp off the N3 and head South – far
South……You won’t be disappointed)