Some realities and lessons learned about Tourism for Rural Development

Dr Merida Roets, Scientific Roets (PTY) Ltd,

Kokstad, KZN

The Challenge• Generating income from tourism..• In VERY far-flung places…• Where there is nothing much to see except

rolling hills and farmland…• And deep poverty….• Poor roads and services, many power

outages• No shopping, no beaches, no thrilling

rides……..• Where tourism is generally business tourism

– i.e. reps during the week

Two case-studies

• Mount Fletcher – AmaBhaca Craft Market• Capitalised on:

• Position next to main thoroughfare (N2),• Local craft talent• Well-organised group• Local cultural context (Bhaca)

• Kokstad - The Encounter East Griqualand Country and Garden Festival• Capitalised on:

• Beautiful gardens• Progressive agriculture• Interesting cultural context (Griqua’s)• Well-organised

Ama-Bhaca Craft Market

Ama-Bhaca Craft Market

Lessons learned

• Strong, inclusive leadership is crucial• Avoid local politics (traditional, male/female,

elders/youth)• Draw on business experience• Train, train, train• Iterative visits• Never underestimate or overlook the local

market and the local knowledge

Encounter East Griqualand

Encounter East Griqualand

Lessons learned

• Avoid local politics (gossip, cliques, small-town mindedness)

• Strive for inclusivity (cultural, interests, environment, authorities)

• Draw on business experience (and sponsorship)• Don’t neglect the local market• Market the event nationally (Festival “groupies”

exist!!) and use social media…..

Conclusion - Keep in mind• If there has never previously been tourism, there are few local skills to draw

from (no craft talent because previously no market or outlet)• It helps if the local municipality is involved (emergency support, services) –

BUT, don’t let their apathy ruin your enthusiasm• Shocking roads!• Limited human resources – your organisers are often also your visitors!!• Difficult to get people to commit to committee work• Small-town thinking (think global, act local – Really?!)• Don’t think people will work together well if they’re random strangers

lumped together – group cohesion is crucial• Small towns often do not have public amenities (toilets!)• Distance is a killer – VERY difficult to overcome – make events multi-

functional• “Rural” need not only be “cultural” – include nature, music, food, agriculture

Conclusion

Visit us!!

(Directions: Turn right at the 3rd Underberg off-ramp off the N3 and head South – far

South……You won’t be disappointed)