Theses and Dissertations (Hospitality, Tourism and Public Relations)
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Browsing Theses and Dissertations (Hospitality, Tourism and Public Relations) by Author "Dube, K., Prof."
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Item An examination of climate change impacts on coastal tourism in Durban, South Africa(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-10) Mgadle, Aphelele; Lekaota, L., Prof.; Dube, K., Prof.Coastal communities are facing several environmental and developmental challenges. As the Decade of Sustainable Development Goals Action aimed at ensuring delivery of the aspirations set out in Agenda 2030 draws closer, a parallel initiative has been made on oceans. In 2018 the United Nations launched the Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), aimed at exploring the challenges faced by oceans and coastal communities. Given Operations Phakisa's well-documented socio-economic significance of oceans in South Africa, it is crucial to understand how climate change affects the country’s coastal tourism to inform policy and practice going forward. This study examined climate change impacts on coastal tourism in Durban. It used archival data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, primary data collected from key informant interviews (n=10), and an online questionnaire (n=302). Data analysis was done using XLSTAT 2021, Mann-Kendall Trend Analysis, Question-Pro Analytics and content and thematic analysis. The study found that extreme weather events such as rising sea levels, increases in tidal activity, coastal flooding and heat waves are identifiable threats to Durban’s future as a tourist destination. The study also found that sea level rise, sea surges, coastal storms, and high tides are worsening the challenge of beach erosion and coastal flooding, threatening tourism infrastructure in the process. In response, the eThekwini Municipality has embarked on response initiatives which include beach nourishment programmes, dune restoration and coastal defence mechanisms to conserve the beachfront and hopefully ensure coastal tourism sustainability. To assist such efforts, this study recommends educational support by civil society and government to sensitise and improve climate change understanding from a tourism perspective to ensure the sector’s adaptation and resilience. It also recommends public-private partnerships for the protection of coastal tourism infrastructure. Lastly, given the apparent threat of sea-level rise along Africa and South Africa’s coastlines, the study advocates a de-risked approach to constructing tourism properties.Item Determining tourism climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at a selected private game reserve in South Africa(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-01-14) Sibitane, Zinzi Eugene; Lekaota, L., Prof.; Dube, K., Prof.Background Climate change is a significant threat that affects the natural environment and the industries dependent on it for their livelihoods, such as coastal and nature-based tourism. Regardless of this knowledge, vast knowledge gaps still exist regarding how climate variability and change affect nature tourism operations and response strategies. Aim This study aims to determine tourism climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at one of the leading private game reserves in South Africa, Phinda Private Game Reserve. Methodology The study adopted the pragmatism philosophy, which informed the use of the mixed methods research design. Data collection was conducted at Phinda Private Game Reserve in May 2021. The data was collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with Phinda Private Game Reserve staff, archival and secondary data analysis. Primary data were analysed using qualitative data techniques, which followed an interactive content and thematic analysis process. Secondary data was analysed using content analysis, whereas trend analysis was applied to archival data (climate data). Using Mann Kendall Trend Analysis, trend analysis was analysed to track climatic trends such as climate variability and change and test their significance. Results and discussion The study identified several vital climatic challenges attributed to climate variability and change, increasing temperature, and extreme rainfall, resulting in localised flooding and droughts. These climatic threats have resulted in challenges for tourism operations ranging from disturbed sleep for tourism employees, dying off birds due to extreme heat, destruction of infrastructure, loss of biodiversity, water shortages and other such challenges over the last couple of years. The lodge has responded by adopting climate change mitigation adaption strategies to address carbon risk and extreme weather events. Measures adopted by the reserve include adopting measures aimed at reducing the company’s carbon footprint and protecting tourism infrastructure from the damaging impacts of extreme weather events. Recommendations The study recommends adopting additional measures to deal with its carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy as part of its mitigation strategy and continuing its research in biodiversity conservation, which can offer a solution to species protection in the context of climate change. The study also recommends continued research and monitoring of climate change impacts and tourism response, given the continued shift in the climate in the region.Item Investigating impacts of climate change and responses of botanical gardens in Gauteng province(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-08-02) Mosia, Malehloa; Labuschagne, V., Dr.; Dube, K., Prof.Worldwide, botanical gardens are used as critical recreational centres for urban tourism, where people can relax and learn about flora. Botanical gardens have a crucial role to play in conservation and tourism and have an essential role in conserving and maintaining plants and animal species. However, there is growing concern that botanical gardens and other protected areas could be at risk from climate variability and change. Regardless of this concern, very little on how climate variability and change will affect botanical gardens worldwide is known. This study sought to respond to this knowledge gap identified and aimed to examine the evidence, impact, and response to climate variability and change by the Pretoria National botanical gardens and Walter Sisulu botanical gardens in Gauteng province. The study adopted a pragmatism paradigm, with a case study that used a mixed-method approach. The study used multiple research techniques to collect data, such as; an online survey (324), key informants interviews (15), field observations and secondary data analysis. Data was analysed using a Mann-Kendall Trend Analysis, Microsoft excel sheet and Question-Pro analysis tools. Content and thematic analysis were used to analyse secondary and interview data. The study found evidence of climate variability and change at the two botanical gardens, characterised by intense rainfall activity such as flooding, extreme droughts, generally decline in rainfall amounts, and increasing temperature, posing a threat to infrastructure, flora, and fauna of the garden. Recreation makers complained that climate change adversely affects botanical gardens' aesthetics and general experience. In response to climate variability and change, botanical gardens in Gauteng are trying to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change to foster climate resilience. As much as there are fears of climate variability and change impacts, botanical gardens are underprepared to deal with climate change, given the vast knowledge gaps that exist. This study recommends that scientific studies be conducted to ascertain how climate variability affects flora and fauna in the botanical gardens as there are many grey areas. Hopefully, this will prompt the gardens to adapt to climate variability and change effects appropriately.