An exploratory survey on satisfaction levels amongst tourists in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.

Abstract

This study investigated tourist’s satisfaction levels and their willingness to make repeat trips to the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR). The role of ecotourism as an environmentally friendly economic activity is widely recognised for enhancing nature conservation while addressing the development needs of local communities. Thus, ecotourism constitutes a very important component of national and international tourism industries. Unlike traditional conservation approaches which have encouraged unsustainable development, Biosphere Reserves (BRs) are based on a unique zonation landscape model comprised of three zones, namely, an inner core area, buffer zone and an outer transition zone. Results from our survey revealed that the majority of respondents (>62%) visited tourism facilities within the VBR at least more than once per year while over 90% of them were willing to visit them again and make recommendations to others. While the main reason for touring the VBR was to derive pleasure and relaxation (67.2%), research (10.92%) and cultural activities (15.6%) were also important pull factors. Furthermore, more than half of the respondents expressed high satisfaction levels for the quality of wildlife and tourism management and hospitality services provided (56%) and the information given to publicise tourism (54%) in the VBR. Lastly, general tourism satisfaction amongst respondents was found to correlate with several determinants, thus important in sustaining ecotourism in the VBR.

Keywords

• Ecotourism
• Pilot Survey
• Vhembe Biosphere Reserve
• Principal Component Analysis
• Satisfaction and Willingness