An assessment of the viewpoints  of local stakeholders on tourism sustainability and local economic development (LED)

Chané  de Bruyn; Natanya  Meyer

doi:10.23762/FSO_VOL10_NO1_5

Published : 2022-03-30

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2022)

An assessment of the viewpoints of local stakeholders on tourism sustainability and local economic development (LED)

Chané de Bruyn

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6841-4953

Natanya Meyer

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3296-7374

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL10_NO1_5

Abstract

Reducing inequality and promoting sustainable economic development have become two of the most pressing concerns for global economies. Since economic and tourism development cannot occur without involving issues surrounding natural resources, perceptions and opinions regarding sustainability cannot be excluded from deliberations when it comes to economic development. However, coordination between local governments, business stakeholders, and other community members of a local economy is imperative in order to effectively promote the development of sustainable tourism. Therefore, this paper aims to further explore the idea of developing sustainable tourism and local economic development (LED) by determining whether there are any differences between the local government, business stakeholders, and the community regarding their perceptions of the importance of tourism sustainability in a local economy. This study follows a quantitative approach using primary data collected via a questionnaire distributed to the three groups. SPSS was used to conduct data analysis, with the results indicating a statistically significant difference concerning the natural and cultural sustainability of the Vaal Triangle region, South Africa. For example, business stakeholders believed that natural and cultural sustainability presented a major challenge to regional development. However, the local government did not recognise these factors as significant or challenging to regional development. This study contributes to the research gap on tourism sustainability and its critical role in influencing the local economies.

Keywords:

sustainable tourism development, economic development, local economic development, Vaal Triangle region, South Africa

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de Bruyn, C. ., & Meyer, N. . (2022). An assessment of the viewpoints of local stakeholders on tourism sustainability and local economic development (LED). Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 10(1), 82–96. https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL10_NO1_5

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Chané de Bruyn

chanedb@hotmail.co.za
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6841-4953

Affiliation:

North West University South Africa

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Chané de Bruyn is a research fellow at the College of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. After working as a data analyst in the corporate world, she decided to pursue her passion for research in local economic development (LED). She holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Economics from the North-West University, South Africa, and has published international peer-reviewed research papers and international conference papers. Her research focus includes all aspects of local economic development.

Natanya Meyer

natanyam@uj.ac.za
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3296-7374

Affiliation:

University of Johannesburg South Africa

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Natanya Meyer is an associate professor in the Department of Business Management at the College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg. She is part of the DHET-NRF SARChI Entrepreneurship Education Chair. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, tourism and economics-related topics. She is an editor, editorial board and scientific committee member, as well as a reviewer for several national and international journals.