The objectives of these efforts
include increased tourism arrivals and overnights, more out-ofpocket
spending, and a bigger share of the tourist economy benefiting
the poor (Ashley, 2006). In direct response to the economic plight of
the poorest areas, the South African government now actively encourages
the pursuit of local economic development through tourism and
local economic development is formulated as a “pro-poor” strategy
(Republic of South Africa (RSA), 2000). Related to this approach, the
promotion of tourism is now widely recognized in the country as a
key economic growth alternative (Rogerson, 2000)