The role of tourism in the conservation of cultural heritage with particular relevance for South Africa
Date
2005-03
Authors
Van Zyl, Colin James
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Three decades ago heritage tourism was virtually unknown as a tourism product and
the only reference to the word ‘heritage’ was in the description of a legal process in a
will by which a person received some or other form of inheritance. This formerly legal
term has in recent times undergone a fundamental expansion and now includes almost
any intergenerational exchange or relationship. A growing commercial heritage industry
has now established itself by converting the past into products and experiences. One of
the foremost vehicles in this process has been that of tourism.
Tourism, in spite of its economic-generating capacity is not an homogenous industry
and consequently does not necessarily feel compelled to subscribe to the standard
principles governing sustainability. However, there is an increasing awareness in the
formal tourism industry of the advantages of subscribing to these principles, if not for
any other reasons than those related to good business practice. Tourists from around
the world are increasingly demanding a more responsible tourism product that supports
the conservation of the natural as well as the cultural environment. The conservation
of cultural resources and the process of its conversion into tourism products can provide
the impetus and the incentive necessary for reviving cultural identity. This in turn has
the effect of creating a favourable developmental climate for new heritage tourism
products which the market needs in its continuous search for innovation and
diversification.
The characteristics of South African tourism products are in line with global market
trends for cultural heritage tourism and there is evidence of increased co-ordination of
initiatives in this regard. South Africa has been singled out by the World Tourism
Organisation in their Tourism 2020 Vision (WTO 1998) as one of six countries predicted
to make great strides in the tourism industry during the period leading up to 2020.
Whilst South Africa has tremendous advantages in the global tourism market, it also has
some critical challenges. Foremost amongst these are a lack of capacity in some areas
and its inability to consistently meet international standards in terms of product quality and service levels. In addition to these supply-related operational shortcomings, there
is evidence that the state of the cultural heritage product does not entirely meet
international standards.
If South Africa is to conserve its cultural heritage (in the face of modern pressures, such
as changing values occasioned by the rapid pace of urbanisation) the recognition of
these important resources should be followed by strong national policies with
appropriate structures to accommodate best practice in the sustainable management
thereof.
Description
Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005.
Keywords
Theses -- History, Dissertations -- History, Heritage tourism -- South Africa, Tourism -- South Africa, Cultural property -- South Africa