Tourism as a Catalyst for Local Economic Development in the Transkei Wild Coast, South Africa

Abstract

The democratic dispensation of the post-1994 government in South Africa promised a better life for all. However, shortly after the establishment of new polices by government and governance institutions, the promise faced conflicting socio/politico/economic challenges. One of the key issues to be considered when deciding on the implementation of overdue promises is the question of equitable distribution of resources and how to manage this process. Despite the above explanations few benefits arose from the application of these arguments. It appears that because of challenges at the highest levels of the tourism industry, real benefits have not yet reached people who are in need. This state of affairs provided an opportunity to propose workable recommendations to improve the situation, with the intention of positively influencing the various impacts that such development would have on the relevant communities.