International Students as Generators of VFR Travel and Tourism in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to determine the significance of international university students as generators of VFR tourism in South Africa. The study adopted a mixed methodology approach to meet the set objectives. Quantitatively, a purposive sampling technique was used to generate 346 valid questionnaire survey responses from international students. For the qualitative angle of the study, a total of 7 participants contributed to a focus group discussion. The findings indicate that international students serve a key role in stimulating VFR visits to their study destinations. Many of these are repeat visits and the travel pursuits in which they engage during their stay at the destination. A key recommendation emanating from this paper is centered on the development of efficient promotional and marketing strategies to encourage international student led VFR in the country. Strategies to this end need to be developed and implemented in order to fully leverage the benefits of VRF in South Africa, given the significant role that international students play, as well as in terms of the way in which they influence the travel activities of their visitors.

Keywords

• vfr travel
• international students
• south africa