Tourism research plays an integral part in charting a path for sustainable competitiveness in destination management. Since 2012, the Department has been collaborating with public universities and research institutions to conduct research in the sector. This collaboration has produced quality research outputs that assist to inform planning, policy, programmes and decision-making to grow and develop the sector.
The Department hosts the Tourism Research Seminar annually to disseminate the research findings, exchange and share ideas, and obtain constructive feedback from a wide range of stakeholders. The event also provides a platform for professionals and researchers to network with their peers.
At the start of the 2023/24 financial year, the Department appointed public higher education and a research institution to conduct research on various areas that impact the sector. These institutions, namely: University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, will present research findings at the 2024 Tourism Research Seminar, focusing on tourism grading, tourist guiding, Indigenous Story Telling and impact of electricity cuts on the sector.
The 2024 Tourism Research Seminar will be hosted virtually under the theme “Advancing Tourism Recovery and Growth through Research.” Stakeholders and persons interested in tourism are encouraged to attend the virtual seminar as follows:
For more information, contact Ms Maria Mogane at ResearchWebinar@tourism.gov.za
Research Topics | Presentations |
TOPIC: An Assessment of the Tourism Accommodation Grading System in South Africa: a demand and supply perspective Presenters: Prof Elmarie Slabbert; Dr Tafadzwa Matiza Institution: North-West University | Click Here |
TOPIC: Perceptions of the Influence and Effectiveness of the Tourism Accommodation Grading System in South Africa Presenters: Prof Urmilla Bob Institution: University of KwaZulu-Natal | Click Here |
TOPIC: Participation of Previously Disadvantaged Groups in the Tourist Guiding Sub-sector: assessing barriers and opportunities Presenters: Dr Julia Giddy; Dr Mavis Mpotaringa; Dr Refiloe Lekgau; Dr Vyasha Harilal Institution: University of Johannesburg | Click Here
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TOPIC: The Impact of Electricity Cuts on Tourism Businesses in South Africa: a case of accommodation establishments Presenter: Dr Lorren Haywood – Institution: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research | Click Here
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TOPIC: Recognition and Integration of Indigenous Story Tellers in the Tourist Guiding Sub-sector Presenter: Prof Karen Harris Institution: University of Pretoria | Click Here
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