Tourism and leisure needs of high school learners in Potchefstroom

Abstract

The primary goal of the study was to determine the tourism and leisure needs of high school learners in Potchefstroom. This goal was achieved by firstly conducting a literature study to analyse leisure and tourist behaviour as stated in books, articles and other sources. Secondly, the results of the empirical research were discussed followed by the conclusions and recommendations made with regard to further research. From the literature study, analysing leisure behaviour, the concepts leisure and recreation were clarified, the concept leisure behaviour was explained, reasons why people engage in leisure were identified, factors that influence leisure behaviour were discussed, theories concerning leisure behaviour were discussed, determinants as well as benefits of leisure were identified. In the second part of the literature study, analysing tourist behaviour, the concept tourist behaviour was clarified, models regarding tourist behaviour was explained, tourist motivation to travel was explained, reasons why people travel was discussed, the travel decision-making process was explained and benefits as well as negative tourism impacts were identified. The questionnaire for the survey was designed to determine the tourism, leisure and recreation needs of the high school learners in Potchefstroom. The questionnaire included questions regarding the high school learner's demographic profile and psychographic profile, the leisure and tourist needs and behaviour of the high school learners and questions to determine the relationship between different aspects. The survey included six high schools in Potchefstroom and 1036 questionnaires was used for further statistical analysis. The questionnaires was distributed after a meeting with the school's headmaster was arranged. The school was responsible for the distribution and collection of the questionnaires. After analysing the data it was clear that the high school learners are regularly bored in Potchefstroom and there is a need for more tourism, leisure and recreational activities in Potchefstroom. The high school learners are willing to support more activities financially. It was also evident that high school learners are more interested in leisure than in sport and do not have much leisure-time available. Their travelling patterns indicate that the majority of the learners go on holiday with their parents and they prefer the Western Cape as holiday destinations. A correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between gender and various aspects as well as the relationship between race and the same factors. The following factors were identified, namely: there is a strong relationship between gender and sport. As for the correlations between schools of different race and the same factors, the only correlation that was not strong, was the relationship between race and sport. The strong relationships existed between race and leisure preferences; race and travelling patterns and race and holiday company preferences. The results of the empirical research can firstly provide valuable information for researchers on the subjects of adolescence, leisure, tourism and recreation. Secondly the information can help the public and private sectors in the tourism, leisure and recreation industries to provide more activities, facilities and entertainment in Potchefstroom that will appeal to the high school market.