Residents’ Perceptions of the Socio-cultural Impacts of Tourism and Suggested Solutions on the Golden Mile of Durban

Abstract

The social and cultural aspects of destinations are key products in the international tourism market. The extent and patterns of host-visitor interaction depend on residents’ attitudes and their level of tourism tolerance which may range from euphoria to tourismphobia, depending on the level of exposure. Tourism is paradoxically viewed as a sector with doubtful advantage producing both socio-economic benefits as well as corrosive socio-cultural externalities. While socio cultural mixing may yield some desirable results, it may also threaten the fabric that makes families and communities. The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions on the socio-cultural impact of tourism on the residents of the Golden Mile. The study adopted a qualitative approach using 101 household representatives from 10 randomly selected blocks of flats along the Golden Mile. The study found that challenges faced by residents especially during peak holiday seasons included disruptive noise, unbearable traffic congestion, long queues at service centres, altered lifestyles as well as displacement of property owners, leading to the place being mainly occupied by tenants among others. Residents recommended better planning, visitor management, education and improvement of safety and security as measures to improve their socio-cultural lives.

Keywords

• golden mile
• socio-cultural impact
• tourism
• residents’ perceptions